Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) vs Indiana Pacers (50-32)
Game Info: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Rocket Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5 — Over/Under: 229.5
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers came into this series with plenty of confidence after blowing past the Bucks in five games. But they must be on cloud nine right now after they pulled off a 121-112 upset road win over the Cavaliers in Game 1 on Sunday. Andrew Nembhard led the team with 23 points and six assists, Tyrese Haliburton steered the offense with 22 points and 13 assists, Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith scored 17 points each while Myles Turner tallied 13 points with 11 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
As a team, the Pacers shot a healthy 53 percent from the field and 19 of 36 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 36 points in the first quarter to take an early 12-point lead. They maintained this lead until the fourth quarter where the Cavaliers rallied to tie the game. Fortunately, the Pacers leaned on their defense and went on a crucial 9-2 run late in the game to pull away and steal home-court advantage.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers were coming into this series off an extended rest break following their first-round sweep of the Heat, but now they find themselves in a bit of trouble after dropping the series opener against the Pacers. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 33 points, five rebounds and four assists, Ty Jerome added 21 points with eight assists off the bench, Evan Mobley scored 20 points with 10 rebounds while Jarrett Allen chipped in with 12 points.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 45 percent from the field and nine of 38 from the 3-point line as they got off to a sloppy start. They had to work so hard to take the lead after trailing for most of the contest, before they went cold and scored just 22 points in the fourth quarter to suffer the rare defeat at home. Max Strus had a rough night as he shot just two of nine for his seven points, so the Cavaliers gave Jerome heavy minutes as he filled in for the injured Darius Garland.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last nine home games against Eastern Conference opponents after losing as favorites.
- The Pacers have lost 13 of their last 15 playoff road games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in each of their last seven games at Rocket Arena following a home loss.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won three of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last four Eastern Conference Semifinals games.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last seven playoff games against the Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 playoff games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
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.
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 Prediction
The Pacers are still shorthanded with Isaiah Jackson still out, while the Cavaliers are keeping eyes on De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, who are all questionable. The Cavaliers may have thought that this series was going to be easy, but the Pacers certainly made a statement with a gritty upset win on the road in the series opener. There was always a chance that the Cavaliers would show signs of rust after such a lengthy layoff, but Mitchell shot just one of 11 from the 3-point line, which I don’t see happening again.
This is definitely one of those games where you should check the lineups before tipoff given the dark injury cloud hanging over the Cavaliers. However, assuming that they come in with the same squad, I like the Cavaliers to bounce back with a narrow win. As for the spread, I actually prefer a play on the Pacers, with fingers crossed that the Cavaliers are even more banged up for this one.