Cavaliers vs. Pacers Preview: Two Eastern Heavyweights Lock Horns in Conference Semifinals Opener

The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Indiana Pacers in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday night. The Caves made a clean sweep over the Heat, while the Pacers knocked out the Bucks in five games to reach the second round. Both teams will play each other in the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2018 first round.

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers had a dream season so far, and reached the conference semifinals without dropping a first-round playoff game. The Cavs secured the most lopsided series win in NBA Playoff history when they made a 4-0 sweep over the Heat. Last year, they faced elimination in the same round against the Celtics, who eventually won the championship. After the 2018 NBA finals, the Cavs will play the only second conference semifinals. However, they have a 2-1 record against the Pacers in playoff series.

Indiana Pacers Preview

The Indiana Pacers outclassed Giannis’ Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the first round and deserved to be in the semifinals. The Pacers won the regular-season series 3-1 against the Cavaliers, including two road wins. Both teams played a double overtime thriller last month, and Indiana had the last laugh. Last year, they made it into the conference finals but lost to the eventual winners, the Celtics, in four games. Out of 11 semifinal appearances, the Pacers have lost only one series, which is the best record by any team.

Cavs vs. Pacers Injury Report

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Darius Garland: Questionable (Toe)

Indiana Pacers

• Isaiah Jackson: Out (torn Achilles)

Cavs vs Pacers – Head to Head

The Cavaliers and the Pacers have played 15 games in the NBA playoffs with 9 wins for the Cavs and 6 for the Pacers. Both teams have appeared in 3 playoff series and the Cavaliers have won 2.

In 2024-25 regular season, the Pacers beat the Cavaliers three times out of four games and didn’t drop a game on the road.

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images