Indiana (0-0) at Cleveland (0-0)
- When: May 4 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: TNT
NBA Playoffs Betting Preview: Pacers vs. Cavaliers – Game 1 Showdown
Spread: Cleveland -8.0 | Total: 229.5
Indiana Pacers – Dangerous Underdogs with Depth and Speed
Fresh off a dramatic Game 5 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Indiana Pacers enter the Eastern Conference semifinals riding high. Tyrese Haliburton delivered the dagger in that series-clincher and made it clear: Indiana is ready to challenge the top-seeded Cavaliers.
The Pacers may be underdogs, but they’ve shown balance and explosive scoring potential throughout the postseason. Seven different players averaged double digits against Milwaukee, with Pascal Siakam leading the charge at nearly 20 points per game. Their fast-paced, perimeter-heavy attack is tough to contain, and they’ve proven they can go toe-to-toe with top-tier opponents.
Notably, Indiana won three of four regular-season matchups against Cleveland. That shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with Game 1 setting the tone.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Dominant Defense, Title Aspirations
Cleveland comes into this series looking like a juggernaut. After steamrolling Miami by a historic 122-point combined margin in the first round, including a 55-point demolition in the closeout game, the Cavaliers look ready to make a deep run.
Evan Mobley, fresh off winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, will be key to slowing down Siakam. Jarrett Allen, the league’s field-goal percentage champ, will need to stretch out of his comfort zone to defend Myles Turner’s perimeter threat. The Cavs’ defensive unit is elite, but Indiana’s speed and spacing will push them in ways Miami couldn’t.
The major variable here is Darius Garland’s availability. The All-Star point guard is questionable due to a toe injury, and his absence could significantly impact Cleveland’s offensive fluidity. If he can’t go, Sixth Man of the Year finalist Ty Jerome is expected to step in though he’s untested on this kind of stage.
Key Matchup to Watch: Mobley vs. Siakam – This battle will dictate the interior fight and likely determine whether the Cavs can control the tempo.
Final Betting Take
Cleveland is the more complete team on paper, but Indiana’s depth, chemistry, and confidence can’t be discounted. With the line at -8.0, there’s real value on the Pacers to keep this tight especially if Garland sits out.
Prediction: Cavaliers win, but don’t cover – expect a tighter battle than the number suggests.
Score Projection: Cavaliers 115, Pacers 111
Best Bet: Pacers +8.0
Lean Total: Under 229.5 – Game 1 jitters and defensive intensity could lead to a lower-scoring start than expected.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
