Pacers vs Cavaliers Picks and Prediction – 5/4/2025

NBA Central Division rivals will square off on Sunday, when the Indiana Pacers invade Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The fourth-seeded Pacers split their 40 road games during the regular season and rank second this postseason in offensive efficiency. On Tuesday, Indiana scored eight unanswered points during the final 40 seconds of overtime to escape with a series-clinching 119-118 home victory versus Milwaukee.

Indiana G Tyrese Haliburton scored the game-winning basket with 1.1 second remaining and finished with a team-high 26 points. Myles Turner chipped in 21 points (5-11 FG) and nine rebounds. Aaron Nesmith added 19 points and 12 boards for the Pacers, who trailed 30-13 after one quarter. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 34 of 41 home games during the regular season and are fresh off a sweep of Miami by an average of 30.5 points. The top-seeded Cavaliers led the league in offensive efficiency and have increased their efficiency so far this postseason. On Monday, Cleveland raced out to a 26-point lead after one quarter and shot a sizzling 55 percent from the field during a 138-83 road victory against Miami. 

All-Star G Donovan Mitchell led six Cleveland players in double figures with 22 points (8-15 FG) and five assists. De’Andre Hunter scored 19 points in just 21 minutes off the Cleveland bench. All-Star F Evan Mobley added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Cavaliers, who connected on 22-of-47 from long range. 

Cleveland G Darius Garland missed Monday’s victory with a toe injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Pacers took three out of four from the Cavaliers during the regular season and have the firepower to make things interesting. The safer play is for these well oiled offensive units to go over the total in the series opener. Final Score Prediction, Cleveland Cavaliers win 123-115.