Pacers vs. Cavaliers Game 2 Preview and Predictions (May 6, 2025)
- Series: IND leads 1 – 0
- Date & Time: Tuesday, May 6, at 7 pm ET
- Location: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
- Broadcast: TNT/Max Game
Well, that certainly escalated quickly! The Indiana Pacers waltzed into Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and handed the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers a solid 121-112 loss in Game 1. They got outplayed on their own floor, and now the Cavs have to get their heads in the game to reclaim home-court advantage before heading back to Indiana. Cleveland is feeling the heat heading into Game 2.
Game 1 Recap: Pacers Take the Lead
Indiana didn’t look fazed at any time during Game 1. They played fast, passed the ball, and hit their shots like a team that wasn’t worried about seeding or anything else, for that matter. But Cleveland looked like they were stuck in the mud while trying to catch up.
- Final Score: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
Indiana’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with six of its players scoring in double digits. Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard combined for 45 points, and Nembhard hit five of six from beyond the arc. The Pacers shot a blistering 53% from three-point range.
Haliburton orchestrating on both ends 😤
Gets the stop, pushes it ahead, and finds Siakam for the OPEN fastbreak layup!!
Pacers leading the Cavs in the 4Q of Game 1 on TNT. pic.twitter.com/wEuvx9TZdq
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2025
Cleveland had a struggle session from deep—they connected on only 24% of their three-point attempts. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 33 points but was 1-for-11 from three. The absence of Darius Garland, who’s sidelined with a toe injury, was definitely felt as the Cavs’ offense was missing its usual rhythm.
Storylines Heading into Game 2
Drama alert! There are health questions and shooting woes going into Game 2, so here’s what we’re watching in terms of narratives:
- Darius Garland’s Status: Garland missed Game 1 because of a little piggy (toe) injury. There is some optimism about him returning for Game 2, but his status is still day-to-day. His presence would give a much-needed boost to Cleveland’s backcourt.
- Three-Point Shooting Disparity: The Pacers’ hot shooting from deep literally changed Game 1. Cleveland has to tighten up their perimeter defense and find their shooting touch to even out the series.
- Haliburton’s Playmaking: Haliburton’s ability to orchestrate the offense and find open shooters was pivotal in Game 1. Slowing him down will be one of the main objectives for the Cavs’ defense.
Betting Odds and Trends
Oddsmakers still have Cleveland as the favorite, but recent trends—and how Game 1 played out—tell a slightly different story. Here are the current odds via ESPN BET:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Pacers | +9.5 (-107) | +340 | Over 229.5 (-104) |
Cavaliers | -9.5 (-107) | -450 | Under 229.5 (-110) |
Yesterday Betting Odds
- Spread: Cavaliers -8.0
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -334, Pacers +260
- Over/Under: 227.5 points
Trends
- Cleveland has gone 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 outings.
- Indiana has cashed the 4th quarter spread in 36 of their last 52 games—a really strong late-game trend.
Best Bets for Game 2
If you’re putting money on Game 2, below are the most logical angles according to how the series started and what each team brings to the floor:
- Pacers +8.0: After the way Indiana played in Game 1, and considering how well they’ve been covering, getting 8 points feels like too much.
- Over 227.5 Points: Game 1 hit 233, and neither team looked like they were hesitant to push the pace. Unless both squads suddenly go cold? The over’s in play again.
- Tyrese Haliburton – Over 9.5 Assists: He ran the show in Game 1, finding open looks all night. If Cleveland doesn’t get in his way, he’ll flirt with double-digit dimes again.
Player Props to Watch
Look alive, prop bettors! There’s value on both sides of the court. The following are what we think are your best bets based on Game 1 production and the expected roles in Game 2.
- Donovan Mitchell – Over 28.5 Points: He put up 33 in Game 1 on high volume, and with Cleveland trying to even the series, he’ll stay at the center of their scoring efforts.
- Myles Turner – Over 1.5 Threes: He hit two from deep in the opener, and if Indiana keeps spacing the floor like that? He’ll get the same chances in Game 2.
Final Thoughts: Can the Cavs Bounce Back?
Our Prediction
The Cavs get the win, but Indiana will make them work for it.
– Cavs 115, Pacers 111: Cleveland wins, Pacers cover, Over hits.
The Cavs cannot afford to let Game 2 get away from them. Indiana looks a little too comfortable, and if the Cavs don’t figure out their shooting issues? And Garland doesn’t play? They could be heading to hostile Indiana territory in serious trouble, being down 2-0.
– Garland’s return would give their offense a much-needed lift.
– They can’t shoot that poorly from three again and expect to get a different result.
– Indiana’s floor spacing created all kinds of problems all game.
– Nembhard and Turner delivered. More of that, and they’re in it again.
– Pacers +8 still feels like the better side.
– The total’s in range again if both teams stay as aggressive in Game 2.
