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

Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Final between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers will take place on Friday night from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The top-seeded Cavaliers (0-2) dropped the first two games of this series at home and won 30 of 41 road games during the regular season. In Game Two, Cleveland blew a seven-point lead in the final minute of a 120-119 home loss.

All-Star G Donovan Mitchell poured in a game-high 48 points on 15-for-30 shooting and dished out nine assists. Max Strus scored 23 points on 8-for-18 from the floor and pulled down eight boards. Jarrett Allen added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who converted 30 of 35 free-throw attempts.

The Indiana Pacers are undefeated through three playoff home games and are looking to make consecutive trips to the conference finals. The Pacers (2-0) rank second during the postseason in offensive efficiency and are averaging 118.9 points per game. During Tuesday’s stunning road victory, Indiana assisted on 28 of 44 made field goals and shot 52 percent overall.

Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith led five Indiana players in double figures with 23 points apiece on a combined 16-for-30 shooting effort. Tyrese Haliburton nailed a game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining and finished with 19 points. Andrew Nembhard added 13 points and 13 assists for the Pacers. 

Cleveland played without Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle), and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) in Game Two. These are the top two offenses in the playoffs and the over has cashed in the first two games of this best-of-seven series. Take the Cavaliers to get the job done in a must win spot on the road. Final Score Prediction, Cleveland Cavaliers win 119-112.