NBA Playoffs 2025: Cleveland vs Indiana – Conference Semi-Finals Preview
Published on in NBA Playoffs
The Matchup
The NBA playoffs continue this Sunday to Monday night, with the first conference semi-final matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers taking place at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland. This is a crucial game in the best-of-seven series, with the winner taking a significant step towards the Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers
“The Cavs finished at the top of the regular season and swept the Miami Heat in the first round. They should be the favorites against the Pacers.”
– Anonymous league insider
The Cavs looked dominant in their first round series against the Heat, winning the last two games with 37 and 55-point margins. Led by Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs have a talented roster capable of challenging any team in the league.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers, led by coach Rick Carlisle, had a tougher first round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. They managed to win three games at home to advance. Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner were key players in their victory.
Preview
- Matchup History: The Cavs have a slight edge, leading the regular-season series 2-1 with an average margin of victory of 4 points.
- Offense: Cleveland averages 112.3 points per game (PPG) while Indiana averages 110.5 PPG.
- Defense: The Pacers have a slight edge, allowing 108.2 PPG compared to the Cavs’ 109.8 PPG.
Prediction
The Cavs’ offense and depth should give them the edge in this series, but the Pacers won’t go down without a fight, especially with their strong home record.
Did you know?
The Pacers have won the last 3 head-to-head meetings in Cleveland, a potential warning sign for the Cavs.
Pro Tip
“Both teams are capable of scoring in bunches, so expect plenty of entertainment and maybe even some late-game drama.”
Join the Conversation
Leave your thoughts on the series in the comments below. Who do you think will win?
Read about more NBA Playoffs News and follow us on Twitter for live updates.