Today we kickoff the Eastern conference semifinals with Cavaliers vs. Pacers. The Eastern Conference Semifinals tip off tonight as the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers host the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland enters the series with momentum, having completed a historic sweep of the Miami Heat, outscoring them by a record 122 points.
The Cavaliers’ high-powered offense, led by Donovan Mitchell and a deep supporting cast, faces a formidable challenge in the Pacers.
Indiana arrives in Cleveland after a five-game series victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning layup in Game 5. The Pacers’ balanced attack and depth make them a formidable opponent, setting the stage for a competitive series.
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📺 Where to Watch Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 1? (May 4, 2025)
- Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM ET
- Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
- TV: TNT, truTV, MAX
- Streaming: NBA League Pass, YouTube
💰 Betting Odds
- Spread: Cavaliers -8.5
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -345 | Pacers +275
- Total Points (O/U): 229.5
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, as of May 4, 2025.
📈 Betting Trends
- Cavaliers:
- 48-33-1 against the spread (ATS) this season.
- 23-21-1 ATS when favored by 8 points or more.
- Games have gone over the total in 50 of 82 games (61%).
- Pacers:
- 36-46 ATS this season.
- 3-3 ATS as underdogs of 8 points or more.
- Games have gone over the total in 44 of 82 games (53.7%).
- Head-to-Head:
- Pacers won 3 of 4 regular-season meetings.
- Both teams are 2-2 ATS in those matchups.
🤝 Regular Season Head-to-Head
| Date | Matchup | Score | Result | Streak |
| Apr 13, 2025 | Cavaliers vs. Pacers | 118 – 126 (2OT) | L | Pacers won 2 |
| Apr 10, 2025 | Cavaliers @ Pacers | 112 – 114 | L | Pacers won 1 |
| Jan 14, 2025 | Cavaliers @ Pacers | 127 – 117 | W | Cavaliers won 1 |
| Jan 12, 2025 | Cavaliers vs. Pacers | 93 – 108 | L | Pacers won 1 |
Note: Key players missed various games; Tyrese Haliburton played in only two of the four meetings, and Donovan Mitchell missed two games.
🔑 Key Players to Watch
- Cavaliers:
- Donovan Mitchell: Averaged 24 points in the regular season; crucial for Cleveland’s offense.
- Evan Mobley: Defensive anchor; recently named 2025 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
- Darius Garland: Questionable with a toe injury; his playmaking is vital.
- Pacers:
- Tyrese Haliburton: All-NBA guard; averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists this season.
- Pascal Siakam: Provides scoring and versatility in the frontcourt.
- Myles Turner: Rim protector and floor spacer; key to Indiana’s defense.
🏥 Injury Report
- Cavaliers:
- Darius Garland: Questionable (toe sprain); missed practice Saturday.
- Pacers:
- Isaiah Jackson: Out (Achilles tendon injury).
🔢 Betting Props
- Donovan Mitchell: Over 25.5 points
- Tyrese Haliburton: Over 10.5 assists
- Jarrett Allen: Over 10.5 rebounds
Props via BetMGM, as of May 4, 2025.
🎯 Parlay
- Cavaliers -8.5
- Over 229.5 Total Points
- Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 Points
Potential payout: +600
🧠 Final Cavaliers vs. Pacers Prediction
The Cavaliers’ depth and offensive firepower give them an edge in Game 1. While the Pacers have the talent to compete, Cleveland’s home-court advantage and recent form suggest a strong start to the series.
Prediction: Cavaliers 122, Pacers 111
