Cavaliers vs Pacers Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 5/13/2025

The Indiana Pacers stand on the precipice of an Eastern Conference Finals berth as they take a commanding 3-1 series lead into Rocket Arena for Game 5 against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

After dismantling Cleveland with a shocking 129-109 blowout in Game 4, Indiana looks to close out the series on the road where they've already secured two victories.

The Cavaliers, potentially without injured star Donovan Mitchell (ankle), face elimination despite entering the playoffs with the NBA's best regular season record.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers preview

The Indiana Pacers stand on the brink of a stunning upset, needing just one more win to eliminate the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers after Sunday's 129-109 dismantling pushed their series lead to 3-1.

Cleveland's championship aspirations now hang by a thread as they return to Rocket Arena, where the Pacers have already snatched two victories in this semifinal matchup.

Donovan Mitchell's questionable status with a left ankle injury further complicates matters for a Cavaliers squad that surrendered a jaw-dropping 80 first-half points in Game 4.

Pascal Siakam has been a force for Indiana, scoring efficiently and providing veteran leadership alongside Tyrese Haliburton's playmaking brilliance.

The Cavs will need significantly more from Darius Garland and Evan Mobley if they hope to extend their season, particularly on the defensive end where they've allowed Indiana to shoot over 50% from the field multiple times this series.

History favors Cleveland at home after road losses, but the Pacers' balanced attack featuring seven double-digit scorers in Game 4 suggests they might not need to wait for Game 6 to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Key stats

1

The Cavaliers sit atop the Eastern Conference with 64 wins, the best overall record in the league.

2

Indiana occupies 4th place in the Eastern Conference with a solid 50-32 record.

3

Cleveland has struggled with consistency lately, posting a LWLWL record in their last five games.

4

The Pacers enter with strong momentum, winning four of their last five games (WLWWW).

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