Game Details:
Matchup: Pacers vs. Cavaliers
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
Betting Line: Cavaliers -4.5 | Over/Under: 228.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Implications Loom Large

With the regular season winding down, both the Pacers and Cavaliers find themselves battling for playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland currently holds the fifth seed, while Indiana is nipping at their heels in sixth. Tonight’s showdown could have major consequences in determining seeding—and potential home-court advantage—in the first round.

Cavaliers Riding Defensive Strength

Cleveland has leaned heavily on its elite defense all season, ranking second in the NBA in defensive rating (109.2). Anchored by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the interior and the defensive tenacity of Isaac Okoro and Darius Garland on the perimeter, the Cavaliers have made life difficult for opposing offenses.

Pacers Push the Pace

Indiana, on the other hand, plays a completely different style, leading the league in scoring at 121.8 points per game. Tyrese Haliburton has been the catalyst, averaging 20.3 points and a league-leading 11.1 assists. The Pacers have hit the Over in 40 of their 68 games this season, showing their offensive firepower is for real.

Injury Report

Indiana Pacers:
Out: Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder), Jalen Smith (knee)
Questionable: Aaron Nesmith (ankle)

Cleveland Cavaliers:
Out: Caris LeVert (hamstring)
Questionable: Donovan Mitchell (groin), Dean Wade (knee)

Betting Trends

• Against the Spread (ATS):
  Pacers: 32-33-3 ATS this season
  Cavaliers: 37-30-1 ATS this season
• Over/Under Trends:
  The Over has hit in 40 of Indiana’s 68 games
  The Under has hit in 36 of Cleveland’s 68 games

Home-Court Advantage for Cleveland

The Cavaliers are 24-12 at home this season, and their defense tends to tighten up on their home court. The last time these two teams met in Cleveland, the Cavs held Indiana to just 105 points in a 114-105 win.

Player Prop to Watch

Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Assists Total: 10.5
Haliburton has recorded double-digit assists in six of his last eight games and is a good bet to hit the over if the Pacers keep pace in a high-scoring affair.

Darius Garland (Cavaliers) – Points Total: 19.5
With LeVert out and Mitchell questionable, Garland could take on an increased scoring load. He dropped 24 points the last time these teams played.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Cavaliers -4.5 → Cleveland’s defense should help them grind out a tight win at home.
Total: Under 228.5 → Contrast of styles favors a lower-scoring game if Cleveland controls the tempo.
Player Prop: Haliburton Over 10.5 assists → High usage and Indiana’s fast pace supports the over.

It’s a battle of offense vs. defense tonight in Cleveland. Expect the Cavaliers to dictate the pace and limit enough of Indiana’s explosive offense to notch an important home win.

Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 112, Pacers 106