Cleveland-cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions May 13th 2025

At 7:00 ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers (-301) will host the Indiana Pacers (+247) in a divisional matchup. The Cavaliers are favored by 7.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 230.

This game will be played at Rocket Arena in Cleveland and can be seen on TNT. The Pacers are 50-32 and currently 4th in the Eastern Conference, while the Cavaliers are 64-18 and 1st in the East.

Pacers vs. Cavaliers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers
• Where: Cleveland at Rocket Arena
• Date: Tuesday, May 13th
• Betting Odds CLE -7.5, IND +247 | CLE -301 O/U 230

The Pacers Can Win If…

The Pacers improved to 50-32 on the season with a 129-109 win over the Cavaliers on Sunday. Indiana, who were +5.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread with a +20 point victory. The total points for the game ended at 238, surpassing the O/U line of 230.5.

Indiana took control early, going on a 13-0 run to extend their lead from 38-23 to 51-23. They dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring Cleveland 42-16. Despite the Cavaliers outscoring the Pacers in the 3rd and 4th quarters, Indiana’s 109-77 lead going into the final period was too much for Cleveland to overcome.

The Pacers’ offense was firing on all cylinders in their 129-109 win over the Cavaliers, shooting 52.7% from the field and knocking down 15 threes at a 42.9% clip. Pascal Siakam led the way with 21 points, hitting 90% of his shots and going 2-for-2 from deep.

Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each contributed 20 points, with Turner hitting 4 threes and Toppin shooting 64.3% from the field. Turner had a big 2nd quarter with 13 points, while Ben Sheppard added 9 of his 14 points in the 4th.

The Pacers’ defense was strong in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 16 points, helping them to a win despite giving up 38 points in the 3rd. Overall, they allowed 109 points on 42% shooting from the Cavaliers.

Indiana struggled to defend the three, with Cleveland hitting 14 threes at a 40% rate. The Pacers also sent the Cavaliers to the line 40 times, where they made 35 free throws. Defensively, the Pacers grabbed 29 rebounds, gave up 10 offensive boards, and recorded 6 steals.

• Indiana has played well in their previous three road games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 123 points per game while allowing 111. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-0.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Pacers have a strong straight up record of 4-1. In addition, their ATS record was 4-1 in these scenarios.
• Over their last five games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 4-1 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Cavaliers Can Win If…

The Cavaliers fell to 64-18 on the season after a 129-109 loss to the Pacers on Sunday. Cleveland, who were -5.5 point favorites, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The total score of 238 points went over the pre-game line of 230.5.

Indiana took control early, going on a 13-0 run to extend their lead from 38-23 to 51-23. Cleveland struggled in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 16 points while allowing 42. They outscored the Pacers 38-29 in the 3rd and 32-20 in the 4th, but the damage was done as they entered the final quarter down 109-77.

Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 21 points and 6 assists in their loss to the Pacers, shooting 54.5% from the field. Isaac Okoro added 13 points, hitting 83.3% of his shots, while Donovan Mitchell struggled, shooting just 27.3% and finishing with 12 points.

Garland scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter, and Okoro added 9 in the 4th. Jaylon Tyson also contributed 11 points, all in the final period. The Cavs hit 14 threes at a 40% clip, but shot just 42.9% overall.

The Cavaliers struggled defensively in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up 38 and 42 points, respectively, in their 129-109 loss to the Pacers. Despite tightening up in the 4th quarter, where they allowed just 20 points, Cleveland couldn’t overcome their early defensive woes.

Overall, the Cavaliers allowed Indiana to shoot 52% from the field, including 42% from beyond the arc, where the Pacers hit 15 threes. Cleveland sent Indiana to the line 20 times, with the Pacers converting 16 free throws. The Cavaliers finished with 31 defensive rebounds, 8 steals, and 4 blocks.

• Through their last ten home contests, the Cavaliers offense has averaged 119 points per game while allowing an average of 106. Cleveland posted an overall record of 7-3 while going 7-3 ATS.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Cavaliers have a straight up record of 6-4 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
• In their last three games, the Cavaliers have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Cavaliers to secure the win, with an expected final score of 146-129. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -7.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 230 and our model has the Pacers and Cavaliers finishing with a combined 275 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Every Play, Every Point

Track NBA Scores Live

Get Free Trial

Cavs vs Pacers Game 5 Preview: Can Cleveland Survive Without Mitchell?

Donovan Mitchell has been everything for the Cleveland Cavaliers in this second-round battle with the Indiana Pacers—the engine, the closer, and the spark in a series that’s slipping away fast.

Now, heading into a must-win Game 5, his availability is uncertain. And with Cleveland down 3–1, that uncertainty could mark the end of the Cavs’ season.

The Pacers blew Cleveland off the court in Game 4, building a record-tying 41-point halftime lead and coasting to a 129–109 win. The Cavaliers now return home, hoping to rewrite history—and get Mitchell back on the floor.

Get updated injury info and betting lines live on our NBA Odds Page.

Injury Spotlight: Donovan Mitchell Listed as Questionable

Mitchell aggravated an existing left ankle sprain during warm-ups at halftime of Game 4. He attempted to play through it but was clearly limited in mobility. An MRI on Monday revealed no structural damage, but the Cavs listed him as questionable for Game 5.

Without him, Cleveland’s offense—and playoff hopes—take a severe hit. Mitchell is averaging:

• 34.0 points per game
• 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals
• Shooting 47.8% from the field in the series

He’s also the only Cavalier with consistent scoring and shot creation through four games.

Even with Mitchell, the Cavs have struggled. Without him? It could get ugly.

Pacers: Unstoppable Momentum

Indiana’s identity in this series has been physicality and execution.

In Game 4, they:

• Shot 61.5% from the field in the first half
• Held Cleveland to 15.4% from three in the same stretch
• Got double-digit scoring from six players, despite losing Bennedict Mathurin to ejection

Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner have controlled the paint, combining for 41 points and 13 rebounds in Game 4 alone. Their presence has overwhelmed Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who combined for just 12 points and seven boards.

“We’re in a situation where, at the end of the day, nobody really cared to see us win,” Siakam said. “So when you have that belief like it’s us against everybody, we are where we are.”

Cleveland’s Supporting Cast Must Wake Up

With Mitchell banged up and scoring under siege, the Cavaliers need more from everyone—especially from deep.

Shooting Woes:

• Team 3PT% in Series: 30.2% (was 38.3% in regular season)
• Ty Jerome: 15.4%
• De’Andre Hunter & Dean Wade: 22.2% each

The Cavs led the NBA in open 3-point conversion during the regular season. That advantage has vanished.

Their Game 2 loss (120–119 at home) was the turning point. Even without Mitchell, Mobley, Garland, and Hunter that night, the Cavs nearly pulled it off. Since then, the Pacers have found another gear.

“They’ve raised their game to another level and we didn’t match it,” said head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Game 5 Matchup Breakdown

The Cavaliers’ slow starts have been deadly. In both Games 2 and 4, Indiana built leads of 20+ points before halftime.

Keys to Game 5

Mitchell’s Status

Without Donovan Mitchell, the offense likely runs through Darius Garland, who’s also nursing a toe injury. If Mitchell suits up at less than 80%, the team must find ways to generate clean looks through motion and screens.

Bench Battle

Indiana’s depth has crushed Cleveland. Their bench is averaging 36.3 points per game, while Cleveland’s reserves are struggling to crack double digits outside of garbage time.

Perimeter Defense

The Cavs must close out on shooters better. In Game 4, Indiana had 15 made threes by five different players.

Betting Preview & Picks

Prediction:

Pacers 115, Cavaliers 105

Even if Mitchell plays, it’s hard to envision a full turnaround given how wide the performance gap has become. The Pacers smell blood, and their road record in Cleveland backs it up.

Best Bets:

• Pacers +3.5 (spread)
• Over 214.5 total points
• Siakam Over 18.5 points
• Mitchell Under 26.5 (if active)

Get deeper insights via the NBA Expert Betting Guide.

FAQs

Is Donovan Mitchell playing in Game 5?
As of now, he’s listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain aggravated during Game 4 warm-ups.

Who are the key players to watch?
For Cleveland: Garland and Mobley. For Indiana: Siakam, Turner, and Hield.

Where is Game 5 being played?
In Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

What time is tip-off?
Tuesday night at 7:00 PM ET.

Where can I get updated odds?
Check our NBA Odds Page before game time.

Final Word: Desperation Meets Dominance

The Cavaliers are one loss away from elimination—and possibly a summer of major changes.

Mitchell’s health is the tipping point, but the real issue has been consistency. Cleveland hasn’t looked like the 64-win team that wowed during the regular season.

Indiana, meanwhile, has grown stronger each game. Their confidence, spacing, and execution point to a team ready to make the Eastern Conference Finals.

If the Cavs don’t bring their best Tuesday—and get a heroic performance from Mitchell—it may be their final game of the season.

For full breakdowns and playoff betting coverage, visit ScoresAndStats NBA.