As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Indiana Pacers are set to face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third game of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on May 10, 2025. The match will take place at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, starting at 02:30 Moscow time. With the Pacers leading the series 2-0, they are looking to secure a sweep against the top-seeded Cavaliers, who are struggling after two narrow defeats.
The Indiana Pacers have been nothing short of impressive, pulling off two remarkable wins against the Cavaliers, first with a score of 121-112 and then edging them out 120-119 in a thrilling second game. In that nail-biter, forward Aaron Nesmith emerged as a key player, scoring 23 points and showcasing the depth and resilience of the Pacers’ roster. The team has demonstrated a remarkable ability to come back from significant deficits, including winning the last game despite trailing by 20 points at one stage.
Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin also contributed significantly to Indiana's success, each adding 19 points in the second game. Andrew Nembhard recorded a double-double with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Pascal Siakam chipped in with 12 points. The Pacers have been playing with an intensity and cohesion that has caught even the most optimistic fans by surprise, and they remain undefeated at home during this playoff run.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers have faced challenges as they come into this game. After a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round, the Cavaliers have found themselves on the back foot against the Pacers. Star player Donovan Mitchell has been a standout performer, scoring 48 points in the second game and proving to be a one-man scoring machine. However, the lack of consistent support from his teammates has raised concerns about Cleveland's ability to compete effectively.
The Cavaliers are currently dealing with injuries that could impact their performance. Darius Garland and Deandre Hunter are both questionable for the game due to finger injuries, while Evan Mobley is also dealing with an ankle issue sustained in the previous game. Without these key players, Cleveland's depth and versatility are severely tested, and they will need to rally together if they hope to avoid a sweep.
In terms of betting odds, analysts from the PARI betting company favor Cleveland with a coefficient of 1.72 for their victory, while Indiana’s success is set at 2.12. The total points for the game is also a point of interest, with the over/under set at 227.5 points, reflecting the high-scoring nature of both teams in previous matchups.
Historically, the Pacers and Cavaliers have had closely contested games, with both teams winning one game each in their regular-season matchups earlier this year. The first two playoff games have been no different, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent on both sides. The Pacers average 114 points against the Cavaliers over their last ten matchups, while Cleveland averages 113 points against Indiana, indicating a pattern of high-scoring affairs.
As the game approaches, the Pacers are focusing on maintaining their momentum and leveraging the home-court advantage. The energy of the home crowd is expected to play a significant role, providing the team with the support they need to push through and secure their place in the next round of the playoffs. Coach Rick Carlisle has emphasized the importance of teamwork and execution, noting that every player knows their role and is ready to contribute.
For the Cavaliers, the focus will be on finding ways to adapt without Garland and possibly Hunter. Coach Kenny Atkinson will need to devise a strategy that maximizes the strengths of his remaining players while minimizing the impact of their injuries. It’s imperative for Cleveland to find a rhythm and not rely solely on Mitchell’s scoring, as they have struggled to maintain control in critical moments of the game.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating match, all eyes will be on the Pacers to see if they can complete the sweep and move on to the next round. Conversely, the Cavaliers will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, making for a dramatic showdown in Indianapolis.
In conclusion, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers are riding high on confidence and team spirit, while the Cavaliers are looking to overcome adversity and regroup. This matchup could very well define the trajectory of the playoffs for both teams.
