2024 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Dates, schedule and more

The Boston Celtics will face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs. The sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers secured an upset victory over the second-seeded New York Knicks in Game 7 of their second-round series on Sunday.

This sets the stage for their showdown with the top-seeded Celtics in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers, who posted a 47-35 record in the regular season and narrowly dodged the play-in tournament, ousted the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round. Their path to the East Finals was solidified with a commanding 130-109 triumph at Madison Square Garden in Sunday's decisive Game 7, marking their first appearance in the East Finals since 2014.

Boston emerges as the clear frontrunner after swiftly overcoming the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers in five-game series during the second and third rounds, respectively. With a dominant net rating of 12.8 in the postseason, the Celtics stand as formidable contenders.

There's anticipation surrounding the potential return of big man Kristaps Porzingis at some stage in the series, although he is expected to sit out at least Games 1 and 2.

Eastern Conference finals schedule and dates

• Game 1: Pacers vs. Celtics; Tuesday, May 21 -- 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 2: Pacers vs. Celtics; Thursday, May 23 -- 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 3: Celtics at Pacers; Saturday, May 25 -- 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
• Game 4: Celtics at Pacers; Monday, May 27 -- 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 5:* Pacers vs. Celtics, Wednesday, May 29 -- 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 6:* Celtics at Pacers; Friday, May 31 -- 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 7:* Pacers vs. Celtics; Sunday, June 2 -- 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

(*) if required

How to watch Eastern Conference finals?

The inaugural clash of the Celtics-Pacers series is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden. It will be covered on NBC Sports Boston which will provide comprehensive coverage, commencing an hour prior to tip-off, with Celtics Pregame Live. Viewers can also expect halftime insights with Celtics Halftime Live and in-depth analysis post-game with Celtics Postgame Live.

Despite being viewed as underdogs, the Pacers shouldn't be underestimated. Led by Tyrese Haliburton and his teammates, they clinched victory in two out of five matchups against the Celtics this season. Notably, they secured a decisive 10-point win during the quarterfinals of the inaugural In-Season Tournament.

Currently, the Pacers lead the playoffs in scoring, averaging 114.2 points per game.