Game Details:
Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13, 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

It’s a pivotal Eastern Conference clash in Cleveland, as the Pacers and Cavaliers battle in what could have serious postseason implications. Both teams are jockeying for positioning, with Cleveland hoping to hold its place in the top six and Indiana aiming to avoid the Play-In Tournament.

Pacers’ Offense Heating Up

Indiana enters this one on a three-game win streak, thanks in large part to a high-powered offense led by Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers are averaging 121.3 points per game during this stretch, leaning into their fast-paced, perimeter-oriented attack.

Defensive Edge for Cavaliers

Cleveland, on the other hand, continues to showcase one of the stingiest defenses in the league. Anchored by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley inside, the Cavaliers are allowing just 110.2 points per game at home this season. Slowing down the Pacers’ transition offense will be key to a Cavs victory.

Season Series at Stake

This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season, with Cleveland currently holding a 2-1 edge. A win tonight would not only give the Cavaliers the season series but also strengthen their head-to-head tiebreaker advantage should standings come down to it.

Injury Report

Indiana:
Questionable: Bennedict Mathurin (ankle), Jalen Smith (knee)
Cleveland:
Out: Ricky Rubio (personal), Dean Wade (shoulder)
Questionable: Donovan Mitchell (groin)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS)

Pacers: 34-31 ATS this season
Cavaliers: 36-28 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends

The total has gone over in 38 of Indiana’s 65 games
The total has gone under in 36 of Cleveland’s 64 games

Player Prop to Watch

Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Assists Total: 9.5
Haliburton is averaging 10.4 assists per game on the season and thrives in uptempo matchups. If Cleveland struggles to defend in transition, the over on his assist prop is well within reach.

Darius Garland (Cavaliers) – Points Total: 18.5
With Donovan Mitchell potentially limited or sidelined, Garland could take on a larger scoring role. He dropped 21 in the previous matchup, and Indiana’s perimeter defense is exploitable.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Cavaliers -4.5 → With or without Mitchell, Cleveland’s defense and home form make them the safer choice.
Total: Under 228.5 → The Cavs will try to control pace and limit Indiana’s transition game.
Player Prop: Tyrese Haliburton Over 9.5 assists → High scoring and fast tempo favors his facilitating style.

The Cavaliers’ blend of elite defense and home-court advantage gives them a solid edge in what should be a competitive battle. Expect the game to be on the lower-scoring side, especially if Cleveland can impose its tempo early.

Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 112, Pacers 106