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NBA Playoffs 2025 Pacers vs. Cavaliers Preview: Series Turns Turbulent for Cleveland as Indiana Push for Historic Sweep

Image David Richard-Imagn Images

The Pacers vs. Cavaliers series has not turned how many were expecting. The Indiana Pacers were written off even before the NBA Playoffs 2025 matchup had begun. But, the Pacers have turned the odds in their favor with spectacular performances in the first two games.

Indiana Pacers Preview

The Pacers stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers again, this time in Game 2. The home side had the perfect start where they went on to lead the first quarter by 32-15. The next two quarters went neck-to-neck between both sides. Going into the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers still had a fine lead.

However, Indiana turned the heat in the last phase of the Pacers vs. Cavaliers game. Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith led the charge and cut the deficit to just a handful of points. With the last possession, Haliburton hit a three, giving a perfect response to Cleveland’s chants of ‘Overrated’. That dagger gave the Pacers a 120-119 win.

"But the rebound is grabbed by Haliburton… "

Relive Tyrese Haliburton's second game-winner this postseason 💯

Game 3 Friday.
Don't miss a thing. pic.twitter.com/mmVTgJKiQH
— NBA (@NBA) May 8, 2025

Also Read: Draymond Green Closing Towards Suspension in NBA Playoffs After Latest Technical Foul

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers arrived into the series being confident and took things lightly. The result of it being a 2-0 deficit going into the game 3. Despite, a brilliant season, especially after finishing at the first spot in the Eastern Conference, things seem to be falling apart for them. With everything on the line, Game 3 becomes do-or-die for the Eastern Conference’s top seed.

Pacers vs. Cavaliers Injury Report

Indiana Pacers

Isaiah Jackson is the only long term absentee for the Indiana Pacers. He suffered a torn Achilles and, according to Shams Charania, the forward is expected to miss significant time outside the court. The 23-year-old is expected to be out till the end of the year.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have gotten an injury crisis at the worst possible time. Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley who missed last game is still questionable for Friday. Even De’Andre Hunter and Darius Garland are tagged as questionable, with the former being most likely to miss the Pacers vs. Cavaliers game 3.

Pacers vs. Cavaliers – Head-to-Head

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers have faced each other in six games so far this season. The Cavaliers have surprisingly only won once, while the Indiana Pacers have dominated the matchup with 5 wins.