Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18 SU, 51-36 ATS) vs. Indiana Pacers (50-32 SU, 42-45 ATS)
Date & Time: Friday, May 9th, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV Coverage: ESPN
Point Spread: CLE -3.5 | IND +3.5
Total: 227
Money Line: Cavaliers -158 | Pacers +135
Key Matchup Insights
The series shifts to Indianapolis as the Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) look to regain control against the surging Indiana Pacers (50-32) in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference playoff matchup. After Indiana’s stunning 120-119 comeback victory in Game 2, the series is now tied 1-1. Despite Cleveland’s top seed status, they enter as modest 3.5-point favorites at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers have been formidable all season.
Notable Injuries
Cleveland Cavaliers
- De’Andre Hunter (Questionable) – Thumb
- Darius Garland (Questionable) – Toe
- Evan Mobley (Questionable) – Ankle
Indiana Pacers
- Isaiah Jackson (Out) – Achilles
Team Form
Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18)
- Conference Standing: 1st in Eastern Conference
- Current Streak: Lost 2 straight
- Road Record: 3-0 straight-up and ATS in last three road games
- As Favorite: 3-2 straight-up, 2-3 ATS in last five games
Indiana Pacers (50-32)
- Conference Standing: 4th in Eastern Conference
- Current Streak: Won 4 straight
- Home Record: 3-0 straight-up and ATS in last three home games, averaging a strong 123 points
- As Underdog: 4-1 straight-up and ATS in last five games
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Start Saving Today!Game 2 Recap
In a thrilling contest, the Indiana Pacers overcame a 17-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 on Tuesday. Despite entering as 5.5-point underdogs, Indiana not only won outright but covered the spread. The combined 239 points easily cleared the 228.5 over/under line by 10.5 points.
Cleveland looked poised for victory after a dominant first quarter, riding a 13-0 run to build a 32-15 lead. The Pacers gradually chipped away, outscoring the Cavaliers 35-29 in the second quarter to trim the deficit. Though Cleveland won the third quarter 37-34 to maintain a 98-84 lead, Indiana delivered a stunning fourth-quarter performance, outscoring the Cavaliers 36-21 to complete the comeback.
Player Performance (Game 2)
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell: 48 points on 50% shooting, 9 assists, including 15 points in the third quarter
- Max Strus: 23 points, 5-12 from three-point range (41.7%)
- Jarrett Allen: 22 points on 77.8% shooting
- Sam Merrill: 14 points, with 9 coming in the first quarter
Indiana Pacers
- Aaron Nesmith: 23 points, 5-8 from three-point range (62.5%)
- Myles Turner: 23 points
- Tyrese Haliburton: 19 points on 63.6% shooting, 2-2 from three, with 11 points in the fourth quarter
- Bennedict Mathurin: 19 points, including 10 in the third quarter and 6 in the fourth
Shooting Performance (Game 2)
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Field Goal Percentage: 43.3%
- Three-Point Percentage: 28.2% (11 made)
- Defensive Stats: 11 steals, 5 blocks
Indiana Pacers
- Field Goal Percentage: 51.8%
- Three-Point Percentage: 39.3% (11 made)
- Free Throws: 21-29 (72.4%)
- Defensive Stats: 7 steals, 9 blocks
Head-to-Head History
The last five meetings between these teams have been remarkably competitive, with just a 2-point average margin separating them. The Pacers hold a slight 3-2 advantage against the spread during this span. These matchups have consistently produced high scoring, with games averaging a combined 236 points and going over the total in four of the five contests.
Key Factors for Game 3
Cleveland’s injury concerns could significantly impact Game 3, with De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley all listed as questionable. The Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency diminished as Game 2 progressed, culminating in a fourth quarter where they managed just 21 points on 43.3% shooting for the game.
Indiana’s balanced attack proved challenging for Cleveland to contain in Game 2, with four players scoring 19 or more points. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch fourth-quarter performance (11 points) showcased his ability to take over games in crucial moments. The Pacers’ superior efficiency (51.8% field goal percentage) and improved three-point shooting (39.3% compared to Cleveland’s 28.2%) were decisive factors.
The Pacers’ home-court advantage shouldn’t be underestimated, as they’ve gone 3-0 in their last three games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse while averaging an impressive 123 points. This contrasts with Cleveland’s recent struggles as favorites, going just 2-3 against the spread in their last five games in that role.
Expert Pick Against The Spread
The psychological impact of Indiana’s comeback victory in Game 2 could carry forward into this contest. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s spectacular 48-point performance, Cleveland couldn’t secure the win, which may have a deflating effect on the team’s confidence. The Cavaliers’ questionable injury status for key players adds another layer of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Indiana enters with tremendous momentum, having won four straight games overall and demonstrating remarkable resilience in Game 2. Their balanced offensive attack, featuring four capable scorers, provides multiple options when defenses focus on stopping Haliburton. The Pacers’ perfect 3-0 record both straight up and against the spread in their last three home games suggests they’re comfortable in their environment.
Betting Pick: Indiana Pacers +3.5
