64 wins. Top seed in the Eastern Conference. Two games away from elimination.
Life in the NBA playoffs can turn in the blink of an eye. The Cavaliers are finding that out the hard way, dropping two games to open their series against the Pacers. To avoid a near-insurmountable 0-3 deficit, Cleveland will need to win Game 3 on the road. Can the Cavs find a way to advance, or has Indiana punched its ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals?
Cavaliers vs. Pacers Series Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
A tough loss in Game 1 wasn’t the most shocking result for the Cavs. The Pacers are a 50-win team, and shot much better from three-point range. Cleveland appeared poised to tie up the series in Game 2, leading by 20 points in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell was electric, scoring a game-leading 48 points through 36 minutes of play. Then, Indiana rallied back, capped off by a game-winning Tyrese Haliburton three-ball at the buzzer.
When discussing Cleveland’s current predicament, injuries have to be mentioned. Although the Pacers have earned both wins, it’s hard not to imagine how different things would be with better health. The Cavaliers were already without Darius Garland (toe) after Game 1. On Tuesday, the team also ruled out Evan Mobley (ankle) and Deandre Hunter (thumb). That’s two All-Stars and a terrific backup wing unavailable for head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Regardless, there’s still no excuse for a team this talented to drop two straight at home. The Cavaliers have been thoroughly out-played in the second half of both contests, unable to slow down Indy’s momentum. Including the regular season, the Pacers have gone 5-1 against Cleveland. While some of those games came with starters resting, that’s proof of Indiana’s comfort level in this matchup.
Currently, the Cavaliers have +170 odds of winning this series on DraftKings Sportsbook. Their chances will hinge heavily on the results of Game 3 in Indianapolis on Friday night. Cleveland is a two-point favorite in that contest, essentially making it a pick ’em. Interestingly enough, the team has the third-highest odds of winning the Eastern Conference (+360); the Pacers are at +380.
Obviously, the Cavs will see their odds rise to around even money should they pull out a win this weekend. Even if Indiana leads the series 3-1 heading back to Cleveland, a fully healthy roster would offer some hope. Unfortunately, that’s no guarantee. Even with two days of rest before Game 3, the status of Garland and Mobley will be crucial. Without either player, keeping up with a deep Pacers roster becomes far more difficult over 48 minutes.
Ultimately, there are too many variables to feel confident in the Cavaliers right now. Banged-up stars, losing home court advantage, and a talented opponent make this a tricky situation for the #1 seed. Given that Cleveland hasn’t really proven anything in the postseason, there’s also no track record of overcoming adversity. A scenario in which the Cavs reel off four straight wins is on the table, but so is a sweep without Garland and Mobley. Right now, the edge is decisively in favor of the Pacers.
