Indiana (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1)
- When: May 6 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: TNT
Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 2 Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Cleveland -9 | Total: 230.0
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
Despite being favored by 9 points, Cleveland stumbled out of the gate in this Eastern Conference semifinal series. Their Game 1 loss to Indiana (121-112) raised serious concerns. Donovan Mitchell dropped 33 points, but it came on an inefficient 11-of-30 shooting and a brutal 1-for-11 from three. Even more worrying was the absence of Darius Garland (toe) and the minimal impact from Evan Mobley. Garland’s potential return remains uncertain, as he’s listed questionable once again. If he does suit up, the Cavs should see a significant offensive boost, but the pressure is on Mitchell and Mobley to respond regardless.
Cleveland’s 64-win regular season is fading in relevance quickly. Their struggles against Indiana now span five games this season (1-4). Even at home where they went 34-7 during the regular season—they’ve been exposed when shots aren’t falling. With Mobley and De’Andre Hunter also questionable, depth and execution must improve drastically if the Cavs hope to even the series.
Indiana Pacers Outlook
The Pacers couldn’t have scripted Game 1 any better. They came out swinging with a 36-25 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. Their 52.8% shooting from deep (19-for-36) overwhelmed Cleveland’s defense, with Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Bennedict Mathurin all cashing in from beyond the arc. Nembhard also drew the defensive assignment on Mitchell and helped neutralize Cleveland’s star down the stretch.
Tyrese Haliburton continued his stellar postseason run with 22 points, 13 assists, and three blocks his all-around impact fueling Indiana’s offensive flow and defensive poise. Myles Turner added a double-double and was a defensive anchor in the paint.
While the Cavs may get Garland back, Indiana isn’t flinching. Their game plan isn’t dependent on who’s in or out for Cleveland—they’re focused, confident, and executing at a high level. The Pacers are now 6-2 ATS over their last eight and have momentum on their side.
Final Score Prediction: Pacers 114, Cavaliers 111
Lean: Pacers (+290)
Total: Under 230.0
Indiana keeps the pressure on, while Cleveland’s injury issues and lack of shooting consistency leave them vulnerable again.
Player Props to Watch:
Tyrese Haliburton – Over Assists: With his passing on full display, look for Haliburton to rack up double-digit dimes again.
Andrew Nembhard – Over 3-Pointers Made: His confidence from deep is peaking, and Cleveland hasn’t figured out how to close out effectively.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
