Cleveland Cavaliers (64-17) vs Indiana Pacers (49-32)
April 13, 2025 at 01:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers +4.5 — Over/Under: 226.5
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers have been on a tear as they’ve won 12 of their last 15 games overall. They will be eager to bounce back in this one after having their six-game win streak halted by the Magic in a 129-115 home defeat on Friday. Bennedict Mathurin led the team with 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Johnny Furphy added 17 points off the bench while Jarace Walker chipped in with 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. As a team, the Pacers shot 44 percent from the field and 12 of 29 from the 3-point line as they struggled without their usual starters and never really stood a chance after getting outscored by 43-20 in the second quarter. Things only got worse in the third quarter where the Pacers fell behind by as many as 35 points before they rallied late to cut into the deficit in garbage time.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been in great form as they’ve won eight of their last 11 games overall and they will be looking to keep it going after taking down the Knicks in a thrilling 108-102 road win on Friday. Darius Garland led the team with 26 points and 13 assists, Max Strus added 19 points while Evan Mobley chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field and 11 of 31 from the 3-point line as they got off to a poor start and fell behind by as many as 23 points. However, they chipped away at the deficit and took over in the fourth quarter to run down the Knicks with time to spare.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won three of their last four games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Pacers have lost four of their last five day games.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won seven of their last eight road games against Central Division opponents after losing as favorites.
- The Cavaliers have lost three of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last seven Sunday games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q4 points per game this season (29.9).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for H2 points per game this season (60.6).
- The Pacers rank 29th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (9.1).
- The Pacers are one of two teams to rank in the top-10 for both turnovers and assists per game this season.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Pacers are still missing Ben Sheppard and Isaiah Jackson, while the Cavaliers have ruled out almost their entire starting lineup for this contest. The Pacers have already beaten the Cavaliers twice this season, and a win here would help build their confidence, albeit against a depleted outfit. So, I like them at the short line in this spot against a Cavaliers team looking ahead to the playoffs.