The 2026 NBA Champion New York Knicks are running back the vast majority of their title-winning roster. On paper, the Indiana Pacers may not currently represent the biggest threat to the Knicks' hopes of defending their title. If the Knicks want homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs, again, they can't overlook the hungry squad that beat them in back-to-back postseasons. Knicks must watch out for Eastern threats relying on same edge as themOn paper, the Indiana Pacers have very few weaknesses. But it's unlikely that the Pacers get washed away in their quest for vengeance, even in an incredibly competitive Eastern conference.