Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, basketball junkies of all ages — it’s that time of year again. The Eastern Conference Finals are officially LOCKED IN. Okay, the Pacers don’t know who they’re fighting yet — could be the Knicks, could be the Celtics — but one thing’s for sure: the Indiana Pacers are coming in hot like a pizza slice straight outta the microwave.

Let’s break it all down — with the energy of a double espresso and the accuracy of a Tyrese Haliburton lob pass. First things first, props to the Indiana Pacers for giving the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers a 4-1 gentleman’s sweep that even had Donovan Mitchell wondering if his vacation plans just opened up. Indiana did work, and now they’re back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row, their 10th trip overall.

But here’s the twist — they still don’t know who they’re playing. New York leads Boston 3-2 in the second-round series, but after the Celtics dropped a “how-do-you-like-them-apples” 127-102 bomb in Game 5, this thing ain’t over yet.

Will it be Madison Square Garden or TD Garden? Either way, Indiana’s packing up the bus and hitting the road for Game 1.

Mark Your Calendars: The Full Eastern Conference Finals Schedule

NBA fans, clear your evenings, tell your loved ones you’re “busy with important business matters,” and prepare for some high-octane playoff drama. The Eastern Conference Finals start Wednesday, May 21, and it’s an every-other-day bonanza until someone gets sent packing.

And yes, all games tip off at 8:00 PM ET on TNT. So don’t go scrolling aimlessly through your TV guide or accidentally end up watching a rerun of Shark Tank. You’ve been warned. Here’s the full schedule in one juicy table:

*If necessary.* But c’mon, when was the last time NBA fans didn’t want a Game 7?

“Pacers & Racers” Doubleheader? YES, PLEASE.

Okay, we’ve got to talk about Game 3 — because it might just be the most Indiana thing ever. That’s right, Sunday, May 25, is the same day as the 109th Indianapolis 500, aka the NASCAR Super Bowl, aka “left turn heaven.”

So you’re telling me we get racecars at 12, and Tyrese Haliburton alley-oops at 8? Yes. Inject it into our veins. Honestly, someone better sell a combo ticket that comes with a tenderloin sandwich and a foam finger because that day’s going to be historic. The Pacers, too, are chasing some serious history here. They’ve only made the NBA Finals once in franchise history (2000… shout out Reggie Miller). But now, with one of the most exciting young cores in the league, they’re just four wins away from doing it again.

Also, shoutout to Gainbridge Fieldhouse — the Pacers’ home for Games 3, 4, and maybe 6. It’s about to get louder than a toddler with a juice box and no bedtime. Tickets for those home games go on sale Friday, May 16 at 2:00 PM ET, so if you’re in Indy and not already in the queue — what are you doing?! Head over to Pacers.com/Playoffs and secure your spot before scalpers get greedy.

Every single game in this series will be on TNT, which means we get the glorious chaos of Ernie, Kenny, Chuck, and Shaq breaking down the action like it’s a backyard BBQ debate. You already know Charles Barkley’s going to say something wild like, “Ain’t nobody stopping Haliburton except maybe an air conditioner.”

No matter who Indiana faces — whether it’s Jalen Brunson’s New York grit or Jaylen Brown’s Boston vengeance tour — this is gonna be a series full of haymakers, highlight plays, and clutch moments that will have fans jumping off their couches like they sat on a tack.

This is what the Eastern Conference Finals are all about. So mark your calendars, prep your snacks, and get ready to watch the Pacers go all-out for a chance to dance on the biggest stage.

LET THE CHAOS BEGIN.