Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) vs Indiana Pacers (50-32)
Game Info: Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 6:00 pm (Rocket Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers -8 — Over/Under: 229.5
The Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers meet Sunday in the NBA playoffs Game 1 at the Rocket Arena. Here’s a Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include a Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Pick.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers just beat the Bucks in five games and are in the second round for a second straight season. The Pacers have won 19 of their last 24 games. The Pacers have won six of their last nine road games.
The Indiana Pacers are averaging 117.8 points on 49.9 percent shooting and allowing 110.2 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Pascal Siakam is averaging 19.8 points and 6 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 17.6 points and 6.4 rebounds. Myles Turner is the third double-digit scorer, and Andrew Nembhard is grabbing 3.4 rebounds. The Indiana Pacers are shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc and 81.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Indiana Pacers are allowing 37.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.4 rebounds per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers just swept the Heat and will play for their first time in six days. The Cavs are in the second round for a second straight season. The Cavs have won 12 of their last 16 games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 126 points on 51.8 percent shooting and allowing 95.5 points on 44.5 percent shooting. Darius Garland is averaging 24 points and 7 assists, while Donovan Mitchell is averaging 23.8 points and 4 assists. Ty Jerome is the third double-digit scorer and Evan Mobley is grabbing 6.5 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc and 86.9 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 34.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 13 Eastern Conference Semifinals games as favorites.
- The Pacers have lost 14 of their 15 previous playoff road games against Central Division opponents following a win.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games as favorites when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won seven of their last eight games against the Cavaliers after coming off overtime.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last three games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven home games following a road win.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last six playoff road games against the Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- De’Andre Hunter is one of only five players to have scored 35+ points off the bench in a game this season.
- Donovan Mitchell ranks 5th amongst qualified players for points per 36 minutes (27.4) this season.
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.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
Darius Garland is questionable for the Cavaliers with a toe injury. Garland hasn’t played since game 2 of the first round, which was 11 days ago.
The Pacers will continue to be without Isaiah Jackson due to a torn Achilles.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Cavs are going to get the benefit of the doubt at home given they’ve been the better team this season and they have the rest advantage. The Cavs are also 51-34-1 ATS on the season. However, the Cavs could be down Garland for this game. Also, the Pacers are scoring at such a high clip that it’s hard to turn down free points with them. The Pacers have been one of the best teams in the league since January and if the play from that Bucks series carries over, this series will be closer than people think. The Pacers have the depth and the scoring to give any team fits. Also, the Pacers have won three of the last four games against the Cavs. I believe this series will be closer than the odds indicate as the Pacers are better than oddsmakers are suggesting. Give me the points.