Pacers vs. Cavaliers | NBA Analysis, Odds, & Best Bets (5/6)

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway and today we’re here to talk about Game 2 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 1 Recap

Final Score: Pacers (121) – Cavaliers (112)

The NBA Playoffs’ Semi-Finals are officially underway and what a way to kick it all off. Three of the top-4 seeds left in the postseason all lost Game 1, on their home floor, with the Knicks being the only top seed to walk away with a win. Indiana rolled into Cleveland with a plan and it was executed to perfection.

For the Pacers it was a collaborative effort, 4 of their 5 starters finished with 17 or more points; with both Nembhard and Haliburton combining for 45 points and 19 assists. The Cavaliers were without Darius Garland in Game 1 but their offense still put up numbers.

Donovan Mitchell led the game with 31 points on 30 shot attempts and as for his teammates it was mainly Ty Jerome and Evan Mobley; each guy contributing 20 or more points.

Rivalries

The Cavaliers and Pacers have now played each other 5 times this year and have, at least, 3 more games coming up. The two Central Division squads are facing off in the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs and Game 1 was everything we could ask for. Thirteen lead changes, four ties and neither team ever lead by more than 12 points.

The superstars on both teams came to play, Haliburton finished with 22 points to go along with his 13 assists; shooting 60% from the field. Mitchell was less efficient, but his 33 points in Game 1 was no accident. The Cavs will need more of the same tonight, Darius Garland was still absent from shoot around today and now both Evan Mobley and Deandre Hunter look like they could be sidelined as well.

Pacers vs. Cavaliers | Game Information

Matchup Information

• Location: Rocket Arena; Cleveland, Ohio
• Date: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025
• Tipoff: 7:00 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.

Our Best Bets in Game 2 between the Pacers and Cavaliers

Andrew Nembhard o20.5 PRA (-110 via BetOnline)

Andrew Nembhard is the newest playoff riser and it’s only a matter of time till everyone’s talking about it. Since being drafted, Nembhard’s averaged 9.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.6 APG and he did it all in 27.6 MPG. Indiana’s now made the playoffs in back to back years and during both runs Nembhard’s averaging 15.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 5.4 APG.

Rick Carlisle has shown tremendous trust in the young SG and it’s likely why Nembhard’s minutes jump significantly in the postseason. This year, Nembhard’s 3rd in minutes played, behind only Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, he’s third in usage and he’s been the primary defender for opposing guards in this postseason. 

In Round 1, it was Nembhard that spent a majority of the time guarding Damian Lillard. Now look at Game 1 against the Cavaliers, Nembhard spent just under 8 minutes of matchup time guarding Donovan Mitchell; the most of all Pacers. Mitchell was held to 2 points on 46 possessions, he shot 1/10 from the field and 0/3 from beyond the arc.

Nemby is Indiana’s best option when trying to contain Mitchell, but also someone the Pacers can lean on offensively.

Pacers +7.5 (-110 via BetOnline)

This series has the feeling of a tough fought, close series. The Pacers already got their win on the road, they did their job but 7.5 points feels like a lot. Indiana’s offense was rolling in Game 1, recoding 121 points and shooting 53% from the field and beyond the arc.

Cleveland allowed the Pacers to take 25 wide open 3s in Game 1 and it’s become something of a kryptonite for the Cavs. During the regular season, Cleveland allowed 18 wide open 3-point attempts per game and in the first round it was more of the same.

Miami averaged 20 wide open 3p attempts per game and hitting 45% of these shots. Indiana finished the regular season 4th in wide open 3p attempts per game, hitting 39% of these wide open shots. In Game 1, of the 25 wide open 3s the Pacers took, they hit 52%.

Tonight the Cavs look like they could be without two starters; the newly named Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Deandre Hunter also missed shootaround this morning and looks like he might be unable to suit up tonight.

With so many injuries to the top 7/8 in their rotation, it feels like a spot for Indiana to take advantage. Look for their playoff experience to be on display tonight at Rocket Arena. 

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