The Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, May 9, 2025. The game starts at 7:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN. This is the third game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the NBA Playoffs.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a tough start in this series. They lost both games against the Pacers, with a close 119-120 loss in the second game. Donovan Mitchell has been a key player, scoring 48 points in the last game.
The Indiana Pacers lead the series 2-0. They won the first game 121-112 and the second by just one point. Tyrese Haliburton has been a standout, contributing significantly in both games.
Pacers Preview
The Indiana Pacers are playing Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the NBA Playoffs. They have a strong postseason record of 6-1. At home, they are undefeated with a 3-0 record. Head Coach Rick Carlisle has led the team well this season.
In their recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pacers won by one point, scoring 120. Myles Turner scored 23 points and had 8 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton added 19 points and 9 rebounds. Aaron Nesmith also contributed 23 points.
During the regular season, the Pacers had a record of 50-32. They ranked 4th in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Central Division. Their home record was strong at 29-12. The team averaged 118.6 points per game, which was 3rd in the league.
Tyrese Haliburton has been a key player in the postseason, leading the team with 18.4 points per game. He also averages 10.7 assists per game, ranking 2nd in the league. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam have also been important, with Turner averaging 17.1 points and Siakam 18.3 points per game.
Cavaliers Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They have a postseason record of 4-2. At home, their record is 2-2. They are led by head coach Kenny Atkinson.
During the regular season, the Cavaliers had a strong showing. They finished with a record of 64-18. Their home record was 34-7. They ranked first in the Eastern Conference and the Central Division.
Offensively, the Cavaliers are a top team. They score 122.5 points per game, ranking second in the league. They make 16.2 three-pointers per game, which is the best in the league. Their field goal percentage is 49.2%, also ranking second.
Defensively, the Cavaliers allow 103.8 points per game, ranking third. They are first in blocked shots per game with 3.0. They also allow the fewest rebounds per game at 39.3. Their strong defense complements their high-scoring offense.
Statistical Breakdown for Pacers vs Cavaliers
The game between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be shaped by both teams’ offensive and defensive strengths. The Pacers have a high field goal percentage and lead in assists, which helps their scoring. The Cavaliers excel in three-point shooting and have a strong defense, allowing few points and rebounds. These factors will play a big role in the outcome.
- Pacers Points Per Game: 118.6 (3rd)
- Pacers Field Goal Percentage: 50.6 (1st)
- Pacers Assists Per Game: 29.7 (1st)
- Cavaliers Points Per Game: 122.5 (2nd)
- Cavaliers Three Pointers Made Per Game: 16.2 (1st)
- Cavaliers Points Per Game Allowed: 103.8 (3rd)
- Cavaliers Rebounds Per Game Allowed: 39.3 (1st)
Betting Insights
As the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers prepare for their next game, bettors have several trends to consider. The Cavaliers have struggled against the spread (ATS) in the postseason, while the Pacers have been more successful. Both teams have shown a tendency for games to go over the total points line. Here are the top five betting insights for this matchup:
- Cavaliers are 2-0 ATS on the road in the postseason.
- Pacers have a 5-2 ATS record in the postseason.
- Cavaliers have hit the over in all six postseason games.
- Pacers have a 4-game over streak in the postseason.
- Cavaliers have a 3-game ATS losing streak in the postseason.
Free Betting Prediction for Pacers vs Cavaliers
The game between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers is expected to be close. The Pacers have a strong home record and have been successful in the postseason. Their ability to score and assist efficiently will be key. The Cavaliers, however, have a strong offense and defense. They excel in three-point shooting and limiting opponent rebounds.
Both teams have shown a tendency for high-scoring games. The Pacers’ ability to score at home and the Cavaliers’ offensive power suggest a high total. The Cavaliers are favored, but the Pacers’ home performance and recent form make them a strong contender. The game could be decided by which team executes better in key moments.
Considering the strengths and recent performances, the Pacers have a good chance to cover the spread. Their home advantage and postseason success make them a solid pick. The game might also go over the total points line, given both teams’ scoring abilities.
- Our Free Prediction: Pacers +3.5
