The 1997–98 NBA season was the Pacers' 22nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 31st season as a franchise. It was also Larry Bird's first year as head coach. During the offseason, the Pacers acquired All-Star forward Chris Mullin from the Golden State Warriors. The team struggled early in the season losing five of their first seven games, but then won 15 of their next 18 games. The Pacers won nine of their final eleven games, and returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence finishing second in the Central Division with a 58–24 record. Reggie Miller, Rik Smits and coach Bird represented the Eastern Conference during the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. It was Smits' only All-Star appearance. Bird was also named Coach of The Year.

In the playoffs, the Pacers would defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers three games to one in the first round, then defeat the 7th-seeded New York Knicks four games to one in the semifinals. However, in the Eastern Conference Finals, they would lose in seven games to the Chicago Bulls in a hard fought series. Following the season, Haywoode Workman who missed the entire season due to a knee injury was released, and would sign as a free agent with the Milwaukee Bucks during the next season.

For the season, the team sported new pinstripe uniforms, which would remain in use until 2005.

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Pacers and Cavaliers.

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