Cavaliers vs Pacers Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 5/9/25
J.A. Cavalier- May 9
- 2 min read
CLEVELAND VS INDIANA (CLE -3.5, 229.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
CAVALIERS @ PACERS 5/9/25
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers face off tonight in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series at 7:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers hold a commanding 2-0 series lead, and the Cavaliers are in a must-win situation to avoid falling into a nearly insurmountable 3-0 deficit.
Cleveland has been plagued by injuries to key players. Darius Garland (toe) has yet to play in the series, Evan Mobley (ankle) missed Game 2, and De'Andre Hunter (thumb) is also dealing with an injury. All three are listed as questionable for Game 3. Donovan Mitchell, battling a calf strain, has carried the offensive load, scoring 48 points in Game 2, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure a win.
Indiana has been red-hot offensively, scoring 120+ points in both games of the series. They’ve now scored at least 117 points in six of their seven playoff games this postseason.
Tyrese Haliburton has been the engine of the Pacers’ offense, including a game-winning three-pointer in Game 2.
The Cavaliers, known for their strong defense during the regular season, have struggled to contain Indiana’s high-paced attack. The Pacers have shot over 50% from the field and 39% from three-point range in the series. Indiana has been dominant at home, averaging 118.5 points per game during the regular season and going 7-3 as home underdogs this postseason.
The Cavaliers have yet to shoot above 30% from three-point range in the series, a stark contrast to their regular-season performance as the second-best three-point shooting team in the league. Despite their struggles, Cleveland has managed to score 110+ points in both games.
The Pacers are averaging 120.5 points per game in the series, with six players scoring in double figures. Jarrett Allen has been a force on the boards, averaging 11 rebounds per game in the series. He grabbed 12 rebounds in Game 2, including 25 rebounding chances.
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FREE PICKS:
Jarrett Allen - Over 12.5 Points
Allen has been a key offensive contributor, scoring 22 points in Game 2 and averaging 13.56 points this season. With Cleveland’s injuries, he’ll remain a focal point.
Tyrese Haliburton - Double-Double
Haliburton has recorded a double-double in 6 of his last 7 games against Cleveland, including 22 points and 13 assists in Game 1.
Donovan Mitchell - Over 4.5 Rebounds
Mitchell has hit this line in 80% of his last 10 games, averaging 5.5 rebounds against Indiana this season.
