Pascal Siakam Trade Buzz: Latest Updates, Potential Destinations & What It Means for Raptors Fans

Pascal Siakam set to headline Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals as Indiana eyes 3-1 cushion INDIANAPOLIS — When the Indiana Pacers traded a trio of first-round picks for Pascal Siakam in January, their front office envisioned nights like tonight: a healthy, in-rhythm, two-time All-Star leading a deep playoff push. With the Pacers holding a 2-1 series lead over the New York Knicks, Siakam has been cleared without restrictions after shaking off right-elbow bursitis, giving Indiana its most versatile weapon at full strength. Siakam’s postseason surge • Playoff career-high 39 points in Game 2 on 15-for-23 shooting, including 12 in the fourth quarter that sealed Indiana’s 114-109 win. • Averages vs. Knicks this series: 27.7 PTS, 6.0 REB, 3.3 AST, 57.4 FG%. • Usage rate of 18.7%, second only to Tyrese Haliburton, proving Indiana can feature Siakam without stagnating its top-ranked transition offense. Why Siakam is the matchup nightmare New York hasn’t solved 1. Switch-proof scorer: At 6-foot-8 with a 7-3 wingspan, Siakam’s spin moves and extended Euro-steps punish both guards and centers on switches. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has oscillated between length (OG Anunoby) and strength (Julius Randle) with limited success. 2. Secondary playmaker: Indiana’s offense hums when Haliburton cuts off-ball; Siakam has generated 1.41 points per possession as a post passer, the fourth-best mark among remaining playoff forwards. 3. Fast-break catalyst: The Pacers average 22.8 transition points when Siakam is on the floor, nearly six points higher than their season baseline, stretching New York’s drop coverage before it can get organized. Key questions entering Game 4 • Can Siakam stay out of early foul trouble? The Knicks drew three first-half fouls on him in Game 3, sparking their 20-point comeback. • Will Thibodeau send earlier double-teams? Siakam is shooting 52% when single-covered this series but just 31% when the Knicks blitz. • Is the corner three still there for Indiana? Siakam’s drives have generated 22 open corner looks through three games; Indiana is 14-of-22 on those attempts, a swing factor in the two victories. Health report favors Indiana Indiana lists only reserve center Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) as out, while New York remains without Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and is monitoring Jalen Brunson’s sore left foot. With clean medical clearance, coach Rick Carlisle is expected to stay with his nine-man rotation, featuring Siakam and Obi Toppin together for short, high-pace bursts. What a win means tonight A Pacers victory would push them to a commanding 3-1 lead before the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden, where Indiana has never lost a playoff Game 5 when leading 3-1. For Siakam, it would mark the furthest postseason advancement since his 2019 championship run with Toronto—validating Indiana’s mid-season gamble and positioning the forward for a lucrative summer extension. Bottom line The road to the NBA Finals now runs through a healthy Pascal Siakam. If the Knicks cannot blunt his downhill force and playmaking gravity in Game 4, Indiana’s newest star could propel the Pacers within one win of their first Finals appearance since 2000—rewriting postseason expectations in the process.