Cavaliers Face Must-Win Game 3 in Indianapolis Against Red-Hot Pacers: Odds, Prediction, and How to Watch

 

Cavaliers Face Must-Win Game 3 in Indianapolis Against Red-Hot Pacers: Odds, Prediction, and How to Watch

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a precarious position as they head to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals. Trailing the Indiana Pacers 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, the top-seeded Cavs face a pivotal matchup on Friday evening, May 9, needing a win to avoid falling into a nearly insurmountable hole.

The Pacers snatched a dramatic 120-119 victory in Game 2, capped by a game-winning three-pointer from star guard Tyrese Haliburton, completing a stunning 20-point comeback. This home-court collapse for Cleveland has shifted the momentum firmly in Indiana's favor as the series moves to their home floor, where they boasted a strong 29-11 regular-season record.

Game 3 Details:

• Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Betting Odds and Lines:

According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook referenced in the source:

• Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers -5 (Opened at -2)
• Over/Under: 230.5 points
• Money Line: Cavaliers -199, Pacers +166

The shift in the spread from the opening line reflects the Pacers' dominance in the first two games. Cleveland holds a season-long against-the-spread record of 51-36-1, while Indiana is 41-45-3 ATS.

The Challenge for Cleveland:

Down 2-0, the Cavaliers face immense pressure. Their path forward is complicated by key injury concerns. While De'Andre Hunter (thumb), Darius Garland (toe), and Evan Mobley (ankle) are listed as questionable for Game 3, they did participate in morning shootaround, offering a glimmer of hope after missing Game 2.

Despite the series deficit, the Cavaliers have shown flashes of their potential. Donovan Mitchell has been a driving force, highlighted by his explosive 48-point, nine-assist performance in Game 2. Jarrett Allen provides a strong two-way presence in the frontcourt, averaging 15.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and two steals in the playoffs, including a 22-point, 12-rebound effort in the last game.

Pacers' Momentum and Strengths:

The Indiana Pacers are riding high after their back-to-back road wins. Their success has been fueled by balanced scoring, with six players averaging double-digit points in the postseason. The team's efficient shooting in their wins (over 50% from the field and 39% from three) has been a key factor.

Tyrese Haliburton leads the charge with his exceptional playmaking, averaging 18.4 points and 10.7 assists in the playoffs, including five double-doubles with 10+ assists. His clutch performance in Game 2 underscores his ability to deliver in critical moments. The Pacers' strong home record also bodes well for their chances in Game 3.

Expert Prediction:

SportsLine's Projection Model, which has a strong track record on top-rated NBA picks, simulated the Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 3 matchup 10,000 times. The model is currently leaning towards the Under 230.5 total points, projecting a combined score of 226. The model also indicates that one side of the point spread is hitting "well over 50%" of the time, offering a potentially valuable betting opportunity. For specific picks on the spread, the source recommends consulting SportsLine.

How to Watch:

Fans can stream the game live on FuboTV.

Game 3 is a must-win for the Cleveland Cavaliers if they hope to make this a competitive series. Facing a confident Pacers squad on their home court, Cleveland will need their stars to shine and potentially welcome back key injured players to turn the tide in this compelling Eastern Conference Semifinal battle.