Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Cavaliers vs. Pacers Preview – Cavs Face Injury Woes, Upset Threat, and a Fight for Redemption As Indiana Looks for the Final Kill

Top seed Cleveland hopes to bounce back from the Game 4 disaster as Indiana looks to seal the series.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have one last chance to make a comeback into the semi-finals’ series. Lose this, and you’re out, and all those dreams after finishing first in the East die out. While for Indiana, this game provides an opportunity to do the unthinkable. Who would have thought that the underdogs would dominate the first seed in the Cavaliers vs. Pacers series. But such is the NBA.

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a horrid performance in game 4 against Indiana Pacers. It might have been their worst not only in this season but also in a couple of years. Records were broken as the Indiana Pacers took a 41 point lead in the first half.

The offense was almost non-existent, with no player able to draw the momentum away from the Pacers. Donovan Mitchell in the first half managed just 12 points. While other prominent players remained in single digits. The Cavaliers showed some fight in the second half, but it was too late in the 129-109 loss.

Ty Jerome’s stats over the last three games for the Cavaliers:

3.7 points
2.7 turnovers
1.0 assists
16% FG%

Jerome is being attacked on almost every possession he’s on the floor against the Pacers. pic.twitter.com/ASznovYxIw
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 12, 2025

Also Read: How Many Times Have Teams Come Back From 1–3 Deficit in NBA Playoffs?

Indiana Pacers Preview

The Pacers have been a revelation in this series after a hard-fought first round clash against Detroit Pistons. Things are clicking for the Indiana based franchise and with the game 4 win, they are already having a 3-1 lead in the Cavaliers vs. Pacers series. Indiana Pacers will be looking to go for the kill and put the contest into bed on Tuesday.

Cavaliers vs. Pacers Injury Report

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers suffered a big blow after star offensive player Donovan Mitchell checked out in the first half of the game 4 due to an ankle injury. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the forward had MRI scans and is deemed questionable for the game 5.

Indiana Pacers

Isaiah Jackson will be the usual absentee for the Indiana Pacers after suffering an injury in November. Barring the 23-year-old, the Pacers have a fit squad and are ready to go for the kill against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Cavaliers vs. Pacers: Head-to-Head

Cleveland Cavaliers have had a horrible record this season against the Indiana Pacers. In 8 games played so far, Cavaliers have faced 6 losses and just two wins. Pacers have had a clear upper hand here.