Indiana (3-1) at Cleveland (1-3)
- When: May 13 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
Pacers vs. Cavaliers – Game 5 Showdown and Prediction
Spread: Cleveland -7.5 | Total: 229.5
Indiana Pacers Overview
The Indiana Pacers are riding a wave of momentum and find themselves just one win away from eliminating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. After demolishing Cleveland 129-109 in Game 4, the Pacers hold a commanding 3-1 series lead and are 4-0 this season when playing in Cleveland, including both regular-season and playoff matchups.
Coach Rick Carlisle kept it simple after practice, emphasizing that it’s not about where they play but how they play.
“We know what kind of atmosphere it’s going to be. It’s all about maintaining focus and keeping our edge,” Carlisle stated.
That edge has been evident, particularly with Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner dominating the Cavaliers’ frontcourt. In Game 4, the duo combined for 41 points and 13 rebounds, while Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley were held to just 12 points and seven boards. Siakam even noted the chip on Indiana’s shoulder, saying:
“Nobody expected us to be here, and that ‘us against the world’ mentality is driving us.”
Despite the ejection of rugged reserve Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana built a record-tying 41-point halftime lead. This team is clicking on all cylinders, and they’ve proven time and again they can take Cleveland’s best punch and still come out swinging.
Cleveland Cavaliers Overview
For Cleveland, everything hinges on Donovan Mitchell’s health. The six-time All-Star aggravated his ankle injury during warmups in Game 4, and his status is still uncertain. The Cavaliers are facing elimination, and without a fully functional Mitchell, things could get grim. Despite averaging 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in the series, Mitchell simply can’t do it alone.
Adding to Cleveland’s woes, the supporting cast has been ice-cold from deep. The Cavs ranked second in the NBA during the regular season with a 38.3% three-point shooting clip but have stumbled to 30.2% in the playoffs. Sixth Man of the Year finalist Ty Jerome is a dismal 15.4% from beyond the arc, while De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade are barely scraping 22.2%. This drop-off has crippled Cleveland’s offensive rhythm and allowed Indiana to pack the paint and dominate the boards.
Despite all the adversity, point guard Darius Garland remains optimistic, drawing parallels to the Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals:
“We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the skill set. We just have to play our brand of basketball,” Garland said confidently.
Game 5 Prediction and Picks:
The Pacers have not just been winning they’ve been dominating. Cleveland’s struggles from deep and Mitchell’s ankle issues spell trouble. Expect Indiana to smell blood in the water and go for the kill.
Final Score Prediction: Indiana 118, Cleveland 114
Best Bets: Pacers ML (+235) – Indiana looks to close this series out on the road.
Total: Over 229.5
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
