The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered high-stakes drama, with the Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly facing elimination after going down 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers in this second-round series. Cleveland, the East’s top seed, heads to Game 3 on Friday, May 9, in a must-win scenario at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Cavaliers fought through injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, but clutch shooting by Tyrese Haliburton tipped Game 2 in the Pacers’ favor. Despite this, sportsbooks and experts remain cautious, favoring the Cavaliers to turn things around as they attempt to assert themselves on the road.
The pressure is squarely on Cleveland, who entered the playoffs with a dominant 64-win regular season, while Indiana is aiming to maintain their momentum on home court – the same formula that almost upset another big favorite in round one. As tipoff approaches, all eyes are on injury reports, betting lines, and the star power of Donovan Mitchell, who erupted for 48 points in Game 2 but came just short of saving the night for Cleveland fans.
Latest Odds and Betting Trends for Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 3
Bookmakers have the Cleveland Cavaliers favored by 3.5 points despite being down 2-0 in the series. The over/under for this pivotal matchup is set at 229, indicating a high-scoring contest could be on the cards. The odds are notable, with Cleveland maintaining status as series favorites even with two opening losses, a testament to their regular season record and roster talent. Indiana remains the underdog, both for Game 3 and the series, with bettors closely watching for late-breaking news on Cleveland’s injury situation.
Bettors are also weighing recent trends. Indiana managed to steal two games on the road, yet analysts expect shooting averages to balance out. The Pacers benefitted from “shooting luck” in Cleveland, while the Cavaliers played short-handed, suggesting a potential swing in performance if the injured stars return.
The series price has shifted, but columnists and sportsbook analysts stick with Cleveland as the statistical safe pick. However, public sentiment has tilted in favor of the Pacers, as more casual fans react to the 2-0 lead. The line may tighten if news breaks about Garland or Mobley’s playing status just before tipoff.
Moneyline and spread bets are expected to pick up steam the closer the game gets. With the Cavaliers fighting for their playoff lives, many see value in the -3.5 point line for Cleveland, especially if their main contributors are available.
Game 3 Date, Time, and How to Watch
Game 3 of the Cavaliers vs Pacers series is scheduled for Friday, May 9 with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Fans wanting to catch the action can tune in to ESPN’s national broadcast or stream the game via fubo, with a free trial option available at fubo. This setup ensures basketball fans across the U.S. can easily follow this pivotal clash in real time.
National broadcasts during the playoffs often mean more in-depth coverage, featuring expert commentary and analysis before, during, and after the game. Both teams are expected to receive spotlight coverage, with particular attention on injury status updates during the pregame show.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse, known for its energetic crowds, adds another layer to the viewing experience as the local fans push the Pacers to keep up their winning edge at home. With both TV and streaming options, even viewers on the go won’t miss a minute of this key playoff matchup.
Cleveland’s Injury Situation: Who Might Return?
Cleveland’s health status is the defining subplot ahead of Game 3. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and key reserve De’Andre Hunter all missed Game 2, putting a heavy burden on the remaining rotation. Despite their absence, the Cavaliers lost by a single point – evidence of the team’s resilience but also the critical importance of getting at least some reinforcements back.
Garland has missed four straight games, but there’s growing optimism he could suit up on Friday. The Cavaliers have conducted multiple shootarounds where Mobley and Hunter have also participated, signaling possible returns. The decision for all three will likely come down to game-day evaluations and how they respond to warmups. If even two out of three play, expect a significant boost on both ends, especially in playmaking and defensive versatility.
Coach and staff updates indicate that the team is prioritizing player health, especially with the season on the line. Cleveland’s bench showed promise in Game 2, but the skillset and experience veterans like Garland and Mobley offer are irreplaceable in the playoffs. If Garland, Mobley, or Hunter can log meaningful minutes, it could swing the momentum back in the Cavaliers’ favor fast.
All three could be listed as game-time decisions. Fans and bettors should keep a close eye on the official injury report released one hour before tipoff, as it could dramatically impact both lineup construction and in-game strategies for Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell’s Impact in the Series
Donovan Mitchell’s performance has been a bright spot for the Cavaliers during a turbulent start to the series. In Game 2, Mitchell scored an incredible 48 points, keeping the Cavaliers in what was nearly a comeback win. His ability to create shots, finish through contact, and draw in defenders puts continuous pressure on Indiana’s defense.
Mitchell’s leadership has galvanized the roster, especially with so many players sidelined. Beyond his scoring, he’s also facilitated offense, finding open shooters and pushing the pace. Mitchell has logged heavy minutes in both games, often carrying the load on both ends of the court. With every possession counting in the playoffs, his shot-making and tenacity have given Cleveland fans hope even in tough circumstances.
The Pacers have tried to throw different defenders and schemes at Mitchell, but so far he’s found ways to adjust. Whether hitting deep threes or slashing to the rim, Mitchell remains Cleveland’s best chance to flip the series momentum. As injuries test the Cavaliers’ depth, Mitchell’s ability to deliver is vital for Cleveland to keep their season alive.
With the spotlight increasing in Game 3, expect Indiana to make further defensive adjustments. However, Mitchell’s playoff pedigree and clutch shot-making guarantee he’ll remain the central figure in Cleveland’s quest for a series comeback.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Game-Winning Moment
Tyrese Haliburton delivered in crunch time for Indiana, draining a dramatic game-winning three-pointer with just one second left in Game 2. This shot didn’t just win the game, it established a psychological edge for Indiana while fueling their home crowd’s excitement ahead of Game 3.
Haliburton’s confidence and poise under pressure were on full display. In the post-game interviews, he credited his teammates for setting up the play and trusting him in a critical moment. Haliburton’s ascension this season cemented his role as Indiana’s clutch performer, and with each big shot, his reputation grows among fans and analysts alike.
Game 2’s finish also highlighted Indiana’s ability to execute late-game situations. Haliburton’s basket capped off a tightly contested affair where each team traded big shots in the final minutes. For Cleveland, defending the perimeter and denying Haliburton the ball late will be a priority in Game 3, given how decisive his shooting can be.
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The energy boost from Haliburton’s heroics can’t be discounted heading into Game 3, as the Pacers hope to ride that momentum in front of their home fans once again.
Pacers’ Home Advantage in Game 3
Returning home for Game 3, the Indiana Pacers will enjoy the full-throated support of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In previous rounds, Indiana used their home court to their advantage, playing at a faster tempo and feeding off the local crowd’s energy. The Pacers hope this atmosphere pays dividends against a desperate Cavaliers team.
The Pacers were on the road for the first two games in Cleveland, but by winning both, they took back control of the series. Now, with the momentum and the fans behind them, the Pacers don’t have to force the issue. They can play at their pace and challenge Cleveland to make the adjustments.
Indiana’s shooting typically improves at home, and players down the rotation often deliver a few timely baskets. The young roster thrives off emotion and noise, and the first few minutes of Game 3 could be key for setting the tone. Cleveland will need to withstand that early energy surge if they want to keep this one close and quiet the building.
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The coaching staff has referenced the team’s strong home record and the players’ belief that they can close out tough games in front of their fans. All eyes will be on whether Indiana maintains their poise or if the moment becomes too big under the playoff spotlight.
Historical Comparison: Indiana’s Previous 2-0 Leads
The Pacers find themselves in a familiar position, having taken a 2-0 lead earlier in the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks. In that case, Indiana lost Game 3, proving that a series lead is only as good as the next game. This historical context has coaches and players cautious, knowing just how quickly momentum can shift in the NBA postseason.
A key difference this time is the location – Pacers are on home court. Last round, the 2-0 lead was built at home before heading out, whereas now they can try to extend it in a more comfortable setting. That said, Cleveland is a tougher and deeper opponent, and Indiana knows that taking their foot off the gas could prove costly.
NBA playoff history is full of reversals after teams have grabbed early leads. For Indiana, the challenge is consistency. Avoiding complacency while wrestling with increased expectations will be a central theme in the locker room talks before Game 3.
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These storylines add a layer of intrigue for fans and analysts. Pacers fans are hopeful, but memories of their collapse against Milwaukee are still fresh, reinforcing the need for focus and execution as the series progresses.
Cavaliers’ Path Forward After a Tough Start
Facing a 2-0 series deficit, the Cavaliers have no margin for error. Their best chance lies in the imminent return of their injured stars – a healthy backcourt, anchored by Garland, would open the floor for shooters and relieve some pressure from Mitchell. The coaching staff spent practice sessions reviewing late-game mistakes, addressing defensive rotations, and emphasizing rebounding against Indiana’s active front line.
The Cavaliers must remain aggressive on offense, not allowing the Pacers defenders to relax. Ball movement and pacing will be crucial, as will creating easier opportunities in transition. Cleveland also needs to improve from the free-throw line and control turnovers, two areas that hampered them in the previous two matchups.
A psychological boost could come from simply seeing Garland, Mobley, or Hunter back on the floor. Their energy might spark both offensive and defensive surges, allowing Cleveland to regain some of the swagger they played with throughout their stellar regular season.
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Above all, Cleveland’s message is clear: fight for every possession and play with the desperation of a team unwilling to be sent home early. The series isn’t over – yet.
The challenge is significant, but if the Cavaliers can survive Game 3, they’ll be back in the series and possibly shift the momentum for good.
Expert Predictions for the Rest of the Series
Despite trailing 0-2, many NBA insiders and analysts are sticking with the Cavaliers as the favorite to advance. All six major panelists at national outlets have picked Cleveland to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, noting the team’s regular season dominance, playoff experience, and strong defensive metrics when healthy.
There are some key caveats. Every prediction has hedged on the health of Garland and Mobley, emphasizing how crucial it is for Cleveland to avoid further injury setbacks. The belief in the Cavaliers is tied directly to their best players stepping back on the floor, not just the numbers on paper.
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Some experts expect the series to go the distance. The overall sentiment: if Cleveland steals Game 3, the pressure will shift sharply onto Indiana, whose relative inexperience in closing out big playoff series could play a major role during the later games.
For the Pacers, few outside Indiana’s fanbase expect them to finish this series in a sweep. Analysts agree Indiana has been opportunistic but caution that holding off a wounded but talented Cavaliers team isn’t easy, especially as emotions and strategy swing during a long playoff battle.
Best Bet and Point Spread Analysis
The consensus best bet, according to sportsbooks and expert columns, is the Cavaliers at -3.5 for Game 3. While Indiana returns home with momentum, betting models focus on Cleveland’s lineup potential if Garland or Mobley returns. Historically, the team in a must-win spot often comes out aggressive – especially with championship pedigree and top-tier talent.
Totals bets – over/under 229 – are intriguing as both teams have played at a high offensive tempo. If Cleveland is healthier, expect the line to push toward the over, with both sides trading fast-paced baskets. However, if one or more starters remains out, the Pacers’ defense could slow things down and make the under more attractive for some bettors.
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Point spread movement is something to monitor up until tipoff. Any late news about player availability will likely shift the number slightly, but the early lean for many betting professionals is to back Cleveland, trusting their regular season form and depth.
As with any playoff scenario, the advice for bettors is to stay alert for late-breaking injury news and finalize picks only after starting lineups are official.
