Game Overview
- Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals (Game 1)
- Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
- Broadcast: TNT
- Tip-off Time: 6 PM ET (or 8 PM ET if Golden State vs. Houston goes to Game 7)
Team Breakdown
Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 1 Seed)
- Regular Season Record: 64-18
- First-Round Performance: Swept Miami Heat (4-0)
- Key Strengths: Elite half-court offense, strong defensive presence, deep roster
- Key Players:
- Donovan Mitchell – Star scorer, averaging 23.8 PPG in the playoffs
- Darius Garland – Playmaker, averaging 24 PPG before injury
- Evan Mobley – Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 19 PPG, 12.5 RPG
- Jarrett Allen – Rim protector, key defensive anchor
- De’Andre Hunter – Versatile wing, strong perimeter shooter
Indiana Pacers (No. 4 Seed)
- Regular Season Record: 50-32
- First-Round Performance: Defeated Milwaukee Bucks (4-1)
- Key Strengths: Fast-paced offense, elite ball movement, transition defense
- Key Players:
- Tyrese Haliburton – Floor general, double-doubles in 4 of 5 playoff games
- Pascal Siakam – Versatile forward, averaging 20.5 PPG, 8 RPG
- Myles Turner – Defensive anchor, strong rim protection
- Buddy Hield – Sharpshooter, key perimeter threat
- Andrew Nembhard – Emerging playmaker, strong defensive presence
Key Matchups
- Evan Mobley vs. Pascal Siakam – A battle between Cleveland’s defensive ace and Indiana’s versatile scorer.
- Tyrese Haliburton vs. Darius Garland – Two elite playmakers controlling the tempo.
- Jarrett Allen vs. Myles Turner – A clash of rim protectors in the paint.
- Donovan Mitchell vs. Indiana’s perimeter defense – Mitchell’s scoring ability will test Indiana’s defensive schemes.
Game Odds
Indiana Pacers 229
Cleveland Cavaliers – 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 3, 2025
