Pacers vs. Cavaliers | NBA Analysis, Odds, & Best Bets (5/4)

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway and today we’re here to talk about Game 1 of this second round series between the Pacers and Cavaliers.

For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page, here. 

Pacers vs. Cavaliers | Game Information

Matchup Information

• Location: Rocket Arena; Cleveland, Ohio
• Date: Sunday, May 4th, 2025
• Tipoff: 6:00 PM EST

(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (1) Cleveland Cavaliers | Regular Season Matchups

• Pacers (126) @ Cavaliers (118) – 4/13/25
• Cavaliers (112) @ Pacers – (114) – 4/10/25
• Cavaliers (127) @ Pacers (117) – 1/14/25
• Pacers (108) @ Cavaliers (93) – 1/12/25

Betting Odds

Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.

Pacers vs. Cavaliers | Game 1

The Pacers and Cavaliers both got the job done in Round 1 and now sit 4-wins from the Conference Finals. The Cavaliers handled business against Miami, winning that series 4-0 and they were rewarded with almost a week off because of it.

Indiana went toe to toe with the Milwaukee Bucks, handing Giannis and company a loss in just 5-games. The Pacers were lead by their star PG, Tyrese Haliburton; averaging 17.6 PPG and 11.6 APG in their first round series. With Miami averaging under 95 PPG, the Cavaliers didn’t really need much from their superstars,

Darius Garland played just two games in their opening round series, but averaged 24.0 PPG and 7.5 APG over the two games he played. His status for tonight remains questionable, but with the time off I’d expect him to be back in the lineup tonight.

Rivalries

Division rivals and they’re now set to face off in Round 2. The Cavaliers and Pacers have faced off 4-times this season, Indiana’s won 3 of the 4 games with 2 of the 3 wins being by double digits. However, tonight’s the first time this season that both teams will be with their full starting lineups.

Of the 4-games these two played this year, 3 of the 4 games were high scoring affairs. The two teams averaged a total just under 230 points per game combined and that shoots up to 239.9 per game in their L3 matchups.

Our Best Bets in Game 1 between the Pacers and Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell o26.5 P/R (-115 via BetOnline)

Donovan Mitchell hasn’t really been called on so far in the postseason. With Miami almost being unable to score in the first round, Mitchell spent a majority of games differing to his teammates; he can’t do that against the Pacers. Indiana’s offense is averaging just under 118 PPG for the regular season and they’ve maintained that same level of play in the postseason.

Mitchell’s scoring 30+ points in 3 of his L4 games against the Pacers, shooting 50% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. Indiana ranks 22nd in points allowed to the PG position and tonight on the road they’ve got their toughest test yet.

Mitchell’s avergaing less than 31 MPG so far in the postseason and it’s the reason we haven’t see him have that big game yet. Last year with the Cavaliers, Mitchell averaged 29.4 PPG in the playoffs and shooting 48% from the field and just under 40% from beyond the arc.

In arguably his biggest playoffs ever, with arguably the best roster he’s ever played with; look for Mitchell to come out hungry tonight in Game 1.

Nuggets +6.5 (-105 via BetOnline)

Maybe I’m buying into the hype, but this Pacers team is good. They’v maintained their offense into the postseason and that’s why I like this team. Indiana’s shooting 39% from beyond the arc, just under 50% from the field and they’ve got experience against the Cavaliers.

In their 4 matchups, the Pacers averaged 117.6 PPG and 119 PPG over their L3. Last year we saw 1st round home teams in Round 1 go 1-3 straight up and against the spread. This year it’s the Cavaliers off an extended break with the red hot Indiana Pacers coming in for Round 2. 

 

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