Cavaliers vs. Pacers Picks and Prediction – 5/9/2025

Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34, down 0-2) vs. Indiana Pacers (47-35, up 2-0)
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: ESPN

Previous Games:

  • Game 1: Pacers 117, Cavaliers 114

  • Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119

Head-to-Head:

Indiana holds a 2-0 series lead thanks to back-to-back one-possession wins on the road. The Cavaliers blew a late seven-point lead in Game 2 and are now in must-win territory heading to Indiana, where the Pacers are undefeated in the postseason so far.

Cleveland Cavaliers Breakdown:

Cleveland has played well offensively, averaging 119.5 PPG in the series, despite missing key players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter. Donovan Mitchell has carried the offense, exploding for 48 points and 9 assists in Game 2. They’ve been efficient from the line (30-for-35) and aggressive on the glass, but late-game execution has cost them.

Key Players:

  • Donovan Mitchell: 48 points, 9 assists (Game 2)

  • Jarrett Allen: 22 points, 12 rebounds

  • Max Strus: 23 points, 8 rebounds

Indiana Pacers Breakdown:

The Pacers are thriving offensively, currently ranked 2nd in offensive efficiency during the playoffs (118.9 PPG). Their ball movement (28 assists in Game 2) and deep scoring threats make them dangerous. Tyrese Haliburton has stepped up in crunch time, hitting the game-winner in Game 2, while Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith have also been key contributors.

Key Players:

  • Tyrese Haliburton: 19 points, game-winning 3PT FG

  • Myles Turner: 23 points, 10 rebounds

  • Aaron Nesmith: 23 points

Betting Trends:

Cleveland Cavaliers:

  • 6-4 SU, 6-4 ATS last 10 games

  • 7 of last 10 games hit the Over

  • 13-7 ATS in last 20 road games

Indiana Pacers:

  • 8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS last 10 games

  • 7 of last 10 games hit the Over

  • 3-0 SU at home in the postseason

Exact Score Prediction:

Cleveland Cavaliers 118 – Indiana Pacers 112

Our Best Bet:

Over 226.5 (-110)

Both teams rank top two in offensive efficiency this postseason, and with the total hitting the Over in the first two games, we expect another high-scoring contest. Indiana’s pace combined with Cleveland’s desperation and reliance on Donovan Mitchell’s scoring should push this game into the 230+ range again. Even with injuries, both squads are finding ways to fill it up.

Want access to our premium picks? Click here for a FREE 1 day trial

Back to blog