Pacers vs Cavaliers Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 5/11/2025

The Indiana Pacers look to defend home court and take a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday after dropping Game 3 in a lopsided 126-104 defeat.

Donovan Mitchell's explosive 43-point performance powered Cleveland's bounce-back win, but Indiana—who won both games in Cleveland to open the series—aims to regain momentum at Gainbridge Fieldhouse where they've been formidable throughout the playoffs.

With no injuries reported for either squad, this pivotal Eastern Conference semifinal showdown features two of the NBA's most potent offenses that combined for over 230 points in their first two meetings.

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Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preview

The Pacers look to defend home court and push Cleveland to the brink of elimination in this pivotal Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday night.

After steamrolling the Cavaliers in Games 1 and 2, Indiana was completely overwhelmed on Friday as Donovan Mitchell exploded for 43 points in Cleveland's dominant 126-104 victory.

The Cavs' dominance on the glass was particularly telling, as they outrebounded Indiana 56-37 and never trailed in a game where they led by as many as 26 points.

Indiana's second-quarter collapse—scoring just 13 points—proved catastrophic, turning a tie game into a 21-point halftime deficit they couldn't overcome.

The series has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, with both teams ranking among the league's most explosive offenses and each showing a willingness to push tempo when given the opportunity.

Bennedict Mathurin's 23-point performance in the Game 3 loss offers a silver lining for the Pacers, who'll need more production from stars Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton if they hope to regain control of the series.

Key stats

1

Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference with 64 wins, giving them the best record in the East

2

Indiana Pacers hold the 4th position in the Eastern Conference with a respectable 50-32 record

3

Pacers' recent form shows improvement with 3 wins in their last 5 games (WLWWW), while Cavs have been inconsistent (LWLWL)

4

Cleveland has posted an impressive +782 point differential this season, while Indiana has a more modest +183

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