Cavaliers Face Pacers in Crucial Game 3 of NBA Playoffs

Indianapolis, IN – The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers will meet for Game 3 of their 2025 NBA playoff series on Friday evening. The Cavaliers, who are the fourth seed, have dropped the first two games of the best-of-seven series, failing to defend their home court. The Pacers snatched a thrilling 120-119 victory in Game 2 with a last-second three-pointer, concluding a remarkable 20-point comeback.

Due to injuries, several key players for the Cavs, including thumb, toe, and ankle issues, are questionable. However, all participated in the morning shootaround. This marks a change from Game 2, where they were unable to play. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers boasted a strong 29-11 home record during the regular season.

The latest odds position Cleveland as 5-point favorites after originally opening at 2 points. The total for the game is set at 230.5 points. The Cavaliers are -199 on the money line, while Indiana stands at +166.

Before making any betting decisions, fans are encouraged to consider insights from the SportsLine Projection Model. The model has shown strong performance, returning over $10,000 in profit for $100 bettors on top-rated picks over the past six seasons. It currently has a record of 159-116 on NBA picks in the playoffs, with a perfect 3-0 start this year.

In terms of individual performances, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell leads the team with an impressive playoff scoring average of 29.3 points, alongside 4.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. He recorded a remarkable 48-point outing in Game 2. Cleveland’s center, who averages 15.2 points and leads in rebounds, has also been essential, compiling four double-doubles in the playoffs.

On the other side, the Pacers have been effective as home underdogs, winning 7 of their last 10 games in that role. They have consistently displayed scoring depth, with six players averaging double digits in points. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton leads the team with an average of 18.4 points and 10.7 assists during the playoffs.

The SportsLine Model anticipates a close contest, projecting 226 total points scored. Additionally, it suggests that one side of the spread has a likelihood of hitting well over 50% of the time.

As both teams battle for a crucial playoff victory, fans are eager to see if the Cavaliers can rally at the Pacers’ home court or if Indiana will extend their series lead.