Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers Prediction and Picks - May 9, 2025

Indiana Pacers (50-32) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18)

Game Info: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)

Betting Odds: Indiana Pacers +2.5 -- Over/Under: 229.5

Get ready for a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup as the four-seed Indiana Pacers host the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers this Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET in game three at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Having secured the first two games of the playoff series and dominated the regular-season meetings, Indiana looks to continue their strong performance against Cleveland, whom they've consistently outperformed both straight-up and against the spread in recent encounters. With a high-scoring trend in their past ten matchups, this game promises to be a compelling showdown, and our in-depth Cavaliers vs. Pacers prediction has all the insights you need.

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Can the Cavaliers show resiliency in game three?

Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Injury Report: Mobley (ankle), Hunter (thumb), and Garland (toe) are questionable to play against Indiana.

Despite a strong regular season (64-18 SU, 48-33-1 ATS, 51-31 O/U) and a first-round sweep of Miami, the Cleveland Cavaliers faltered in game two against Indiana after leading late. While they dominated in the paint and at the free-throw line, their overall shooting (43%) and three-point efficiency (28%) suffered.

Donovan Mitchell's impressive 48 points weren't enough, especially with key players Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland sidelined. Throughout the regular season, Mitchell averaged 24.0 points, and the team relied on contributions from Mobley (18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG), Hunter (17.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG), and Jarrett Allen (13.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG). Statistically, Cleveland boasts a top-tier adjusted NET rating, ranking first in offense (123.5 PPG, 49.1% FG) and ninth in defense, while allowing 113.8 PPG on 45.4% shooting.

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.

Can Indiana pull off a third straight upset win?

Indiana Pacers Basketball Injury Report: No new injuries for Friday's playoff game against Cleveland

The Indiana Pacers, who finished the regular season 50-32 SU, 36-45-1 ATS, and 43-36-3 O/U and defeated Milwaukee in five first-round games, are on a strong 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS run in their last ten contests. In a notable game two upset on the road, Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beating three-pointer secured the win. Indiana showcased efficient shooting, hitting 51% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc, and dominated the fourth quarter with a 36-21 scoring advantage.

Pascal Siakam leads the team in scoring with 20.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while key contributors include Haliburton (18.6 PPG, 9.2 APG), Bennedict Mathurin (16.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG), and Myles Turner (15.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG). The Pacers hold a respectable 12th rank in adjusted NET rating, with a 9th-best offensive rating, scoring 118.8 points per game (7th) on 48.8% shooting (3rd), while their opponents averaged 116.6 points per game on 47.4% shooting.

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

Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game Prediction!

THE PICK - Cavaliers -2.5

As the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers hold a significant 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrating their regular-season success against this opponent has carried into the playoffs. While Cleveland boasts impressive regular-season metrics and a first-round sweep, Indiana's recent performance, highlighted by key victories and strong offensive execution, positions them favorably. With the Pacers' ability to score efficiently and Cleveland grappling with injuries to crucial players, game three presents a compelling matchup that will test the resilience of both teams as they battle for Eastern Conference!