Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) vs Indiana Pacers (50-32)
May 13, 2025 at 07:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers -7.5 — Over/Under: 229
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers are now just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals after blowing past the Cavaliers by 129-109 on Sunday to take a 3-1 series lead. Pascal Siakam led the team in scoring with 21 points, Myles Turner and Obi Toppin added 20 points each, while Ben Sheppard chipped in with 14 points off the bench. As a team, the Pacers shot 52 percent from the field and 15 of 35 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrific start and put the game to bed early with a dominant 80-39 first half.
The Pacers really came through with a balanced scoring effort as they had seven players finishing in double figures in scoring. However, they deserve so much credit for their effort on the defensive end, as they were always in complete control after outscoring the Cavaliers by 42-16 in the second quarter to open up a 44-point lead. Tyrese Haliburton had a quiet game of just 11 points on three of eight shooting, but he sat out most of the second half along with Pascal Siakam who scored his 21 points in just 21 minutes of action.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be feeling the pressure now, as they are on the brink of elimination after getting trampled by the Pacers in an ugly defeat in Game 4 on Sunday. Darius Garland led the team with 21 points and six assists, Isaac Okoro added 13 points off the bench, Mac Strus added 11 points while Donovan Mitchell chipped in with 12 points, before sitting out the second half with an ankle injury.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot just 42 percent from the field and 14 of 35 from the 3-point line as they struggled to match the urgency of the Pacers from the start and started to fall behind. The Cavaliers put up a better fight in the second half, where they poured in 70 points, but they were always fighting an uphill battle after trailing by as many as 44 points. Garland looked to shake off a bit of rust as he shot six of 11 from the field, and he might have to shoulder a heavier scoring burden if Mitchell is unable to suit up.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won 13 of their last 14 home games following a road loss.
- The Pacers have lost six of their last seven Game 5s of an Eastern Conference Semifinals series.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in six of their last seven playoff games against Eastern Conference opponents following a loss.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won four of their last five games as underdogs.
- The Cavaliers have lost three of their last four games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last eight playoff games against the Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 playoff games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Evan Mobley ranks 6th amongst qualified players for Blocks Per Game (1.6) this season.
- Darius Garland ranks 11th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (7.9) this season.
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.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Indiana Pacers are still slightly shorthanded with Isaiah Jackson still out while the Cavaliers are keeping an eye on Donovan Mitchell who remains questionable for this one. The Pacers were one of the hottest teams coming into the playoffs, and they really made a statement with a monumental performance in the first half of Game 4. The Cavaliers need to respond big time now that they are playing to stay alive, so you know that Mitchell will likely suit up even if his ankle is injured.
This is the part of the series where you expect the Cavaliers to take a stand at home, but Garland is already playing injured. Mitchell just hurt his ankle, and the Pacers have already beaten the Cavaliers on the road twice this series. You can make an argument for either side, but the Pacers have been the better team so far, and I think they surprise everyone again and finish off the job with another upset win on the road.