Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions, Odds, Bets & Player Props ECSF Game 3– 05/09/2025

On Friday, 05/09, the Indiana Pacers (2-0) will host the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. In Game 2, the Pacers flipped the script again and won by a point (120-119) as Tyrese Haliburton nailed the game-winner. Can the Cavaliers recover from the heartbreak, or has Indiana broken their spirits? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Sneak Peek, Lineups

Cavs suffer against Halistorm

The Game 2 loss must have been the most heartbreaking loss the Cavs have suffered in a long time. They were up by three points with 12 seconds left in the game, and Tyrese Haliburton was on the line for two free throws.

He made one but missed the second one, however, Pacers center Myles Turner tapped the ball back to Haliburton. The Pacers’ PG nailed a game-winning stepback jumper, as the Cavs failed to level the series.

The Cavs had jumped to a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter. They had maintained a 14-point lead before the start of the fourth quarter. However, they blew the lead and the Pacers won despite a seven-point deficit with less than a minute left in the game.

Cavs’ ace Donovan Mitchell had to play out of his skin again in the absence of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. He scored 48 points but has shot just 2/17 from the three-point line in the series. Jarrett Allen and Max Strus combined for 45 points, but Cleveland’s lack of clutch defense hurt them again.

For the Pacers, Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and Benedict Mathurin scored in the 19-23 points range, continuing their theme of brilliant scoring balance.

They shot an incredible 51% from the field compared to 43% by the Cavaliers. The Cavs need to improve their defense after allowing Indiana 120+ in two straight games. Not having Mobley hurt in Game 2, but even he couldn’t help his team sustain a strong defense in Game 1.

Pacers Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Tyrese Haliburton | SG: Andrew Nembhard | SF: Aaron Nesmith | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner

Key bench players: SG: Benedict Mathurin, PG: TJ McConnell, SF: Jarace Walker, PF: Obi Toppin

Injuries/Updates: Isaiah Jackson is OUT for the game.

Cavaliers Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Darius Garland | SG: Donovan Mitchell | SF: Max Strus | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen

Key bench players: SG: Ty Jerome, SF: DeAndre Hunter, SF: Sam Merrill.

Injuries/Updates: Darius Garland is QUESTIONABLE.

Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Total Over/Under Prediction

The bookmarks placed near identical odds for a total of 229-230 in the first two games. They nailed their predictions both times as the points tally was on the “over” side of things. Game 2 produced 240 points while Game 1 produced 233.

The bookmakers projected a ‘negligible’ dip in the overall scoring. They have attached identical odds around the total of 227-228. Anyway, I picked “Over” in Game 1 and “Under” in Game 2, so I have been 1/2 thus far.

A bit confused about which way I should go here, considering the high-scoring nature of the first two games. But wouldn’t there finally be some defensive adjustments? Thus, I opt for “Under” again despite the choice failing last game.

Total: Under 228.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Pacers: Points Under 112.5 for -110 at BetMGM

Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Player Props Predictions- NBA Betting Picks

Donovan Mitchell to score Over 30.5 points: Mitchell has to ball out of his mind to keep the Cavs offense alive without his backcourt mate Darius Garland. He has scored 30+ points in the last two games. I believe he will continue on the same path.

Myles Turner to block over 2.5 blocks: Turner has been terrific on the defensive end during the series thus far. He blocked 5 shots in the second game, after a 2-block performance in Game 1. I expect him to reject 3-4 shots here.

Jarrett Allen to collect over 9.5 rebounds: The Cavs center plucked 12 rebounds in the last game to cover the absence of frontcourt mate Evan Mobley. I expect him to grab at least 10 boards here.

Main pick: Donovan Mitchell O 29.5 points for -120 at BetMGM

Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Prediction- Betting Lines

The Pacers must be on cloud nine after eking out a thrilling win in Game 2. They have built a decisive 2-0 lead against a team plagued with injuries. As for the Cavs, this game should be a do-or-die situation because no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit.

I selected Pacers to cover the spread in the previous two games, but didn’t believe in a Cavs’ loss on both occasions. The bookmakers have continued to show faith in the Cavs and allot favorable odds for them with a spread of -3.5. I also believe in the Cavaliers, too.

Betting Lines(BetMGM):

Total: 228.5: O: -110. U: -110
Spread: Cavs -3.5: -115. Pacers: +3.5: -105
Player Props: Tyrese Haliburton: Points: 19.5: O: +100. U: -135

Safe Spread Pick: Cavaliers -3.5 for -115 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!