Central division rivals will meet in the second round of the NBA playoffs when the Cavaliers battle the Pacers. Each team took care of business to start the postseason, going a combined 8-1 during the first round. Now, they’ll meet up with a ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line. Which squad has the edge going into this high-stakes series?
The Cavaliers are heavy favorites (-425) over the Pacers on DraftKings Sportsbook. The line on total games in this series is over 5.5 (-115). Before these clubs tip off this weekend, let’s preview how both teams match up before making a prediction.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers preview, prediction
Cleveland and Indiana are more than familiar with one another, having met four times in the regular season. During those contests, the Pacers came out victorious on three different occasions. However, the final two outings both came in mid-April, as the Cavaliers rested multiple starters. Essentially, it’s just a two-game sample size between these Eastern Conference contenders.
It was a regular season to remember for the Cavs, owners of the NBA’s second-best record (64-18). Cleveland’s success starts with its best player, Donovan Mitchell. The guard didn’t have his greatest statistical campaign, but he was more than comfortable facilitating one of basketball’s best offenses. Through 71 games, Spida averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He’s joined by fellow 20+ point scorer Darius Garland, forming arguably the NBA’s best back court. Down low, the Cavaliers wield the two-headed monster of Jarrett Allen and Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley. It’s no surprise that Cleveland held opponents to the eighth-fewest points per game in the paint (46.7).
The Pacers have built their roster in a similar fashion, revolving around a dynamic guard on offense. Unlike Mitchell, a score-first threat, Tyrese Haliburton’s claim to fame is his play making. Since 2023, only Trae Young has collected more assists per game than Indiana’s All-Star (10.2). To be fair, collecting dimes is easier when you have a pair of skilled big men. Forward Pascal Siakam enjoyed another terrific year, posting 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 51.9% shooting. He’s accompanied by Myles Turner, one of the association’s best shooting centers. If any trio can give an elite Cavaliers defense fits, it might be Indiana.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers series pick, best bet
On paper, this series has all the makings of a shootout. This season, both the Pacers (115.4) and the Cavaliers (121.0) finished inside the top ten in offensive rating. However, each team was respectable on the other end of the floor, with Cleveland ranking eighth (111.8) and Indiana ranking 14th (113.3) in defensive rating. The matchup behind the scenes is fairly even between Coach of the Year winners Kenny Atkinson and Rick Carlisle.
In most NBA playoff showdowns, the team that advances gets the most out of its stars. That could be the case in this best-of-seven set, but there are other factors at play. The Cavaliers and Pacers are two of the deepest teams in basketball, each capable of running a ten-man rotation. Whichever side gets the most out of its backups could enjoy a major advantage, especially if this turns into a lengthy series.
Against every other Eastern Conference opponent, Cleveland’s depth would be a massive advantage. That won’t be the case against a Pacers squad all too familiar with its rivals from Ohio. As good as the Cavaliers are, we haven’t seen this group face much adversity this season. That might be the case vs. Indiana, owners of the NBA’s sixth-best record post-All-Star break (20-9). It’s difficult to envision the Pacers advancing, but I’m expecting at least a six-game series.
BEST BET: Cavaliers vs. Pacers OVER 5.5 games (-115)
When does the Cavaliers vs. Pacers series start?
The opening game of this second round series between the Cavaliers and Pacers in the NBA Playoffs tips off on Sunday night, May 4th. The exact tip-off time is yet to be determined.
