Indiana Pacers (50-32) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18)
Game Info: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
The Line: Betting Odds: Indiana Pacers +2.5 — Over/Under: 229.5
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers duke it out in a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night. Here’s a Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Prediction. This article will include a Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers needed to come out swinging after dropping the series opener on Sunday, but things went from bad to worse for them as they fell painfully short to the Pacers in a 120-119 loss on Tuesday. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 48 points, nine assists and four steals, Max Strus added 23 points with eight rebounds and four assists while Jarrett Allen chipped in with 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot just 43 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line as they dominated the first quarter by 32-15 to take an early 20-point lead. But they allowed the Pacers to hang around, and it cost them big as the Cavaliers led by seven points late in the fourth quarter. The Pacers closed the final 47.2 seconds on an 8-0 run to slip away in a disappointing finish. Ty Jerome had a night to forget as he shot just one of 14 from the field to finish with just two points.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers were aiming to steal home-court advantage, but they are now in complete control after outlasting the Cavaliers in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead heading back home. Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner each scored 23 points, Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin each scored 19 points while Andrew Nembhard chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists.
As a team, the Pacers shot 51 percent from the field and 11 of 28 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and looked to be in deep trouble when trailing by 20 points. But they stayed within striking distance and dominated the fourth quarter by 36-21 to pull off the impressive upset win on the road for the second straight game. It was a real balanced scoring effort as the Pacers had a total of six players scoring at least 12 points.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won each of their last seven playoff home games against Central Division opponents.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last five Eastern Conference Semifinals games.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight playoff games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last five playoff games against the Cavaliers.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last six road games against Central Division opponents after losing as favorites.
- The Pacers have lost Game 3 in each of their last three playoff series’ when leading the series 2-0.
- The road team has covered the spread in eight of the Cavaliers’ last nine games.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five home games against Central Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
Indiana Pacers Player Facts
- T.J. McConnell ranks 6th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (8.9) this season.
- Bennedict Mathurin ranks T9th in the league for fast break points (277) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Donovan Mitchell ranks 5th amongst qualified players for points per 36 minutes (27.4) this season.
- Max Strus ranks 20th amongst qualified Forwards for three-pointers made Per Game (2.3) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
The Cavaliers could be shorthanded once again as De’Andre Hunter. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are all listed as questionable, while the Pacers have ruled out Isaiah Jackson once again. The Cavaliers have been hit by the injury bug at just the worst time of the season. They are now in serious danger of falling into a 3-0 series deficit if they can’t bounce back and make a stand in this one. But the Pacers are just brimming with confidence at the moment, and they are now in full control after winning two crucial games on the road.
The Pacers certainly hold the momentum right now, but the Cavaliers are now faced with their most important game of the season, and I think they get some players back on the court for this one. Trying to win a crucial road game in front of a raucous Pacers crowd is going to be tough, but the Cavaliers are playing for their season right now. I think they can finally get a narrow win in this one.