The Indiana Pacers aim for a 3-0 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals following wins of 121-112 and 120-119. Key injuries affect both teams: Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton has a wrist issue, while the Cavs welcome back Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter. In Game 3, the Cavs are favored by 2.5 points, despite trailing the series. The Pacers need to maintain their momentum against a Cavs squad motivated to avoid a 3-0 deficit, as history shows teams down 3-0 face daunting odds. Game highlights and updates will be available.
The Indiana Pacers aim for a 3-0 advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Pacers secured victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Rocket Arena, winning 121-112 in Game 1, followed by a nail-biting 120-119 finish in Game 2. Both teams are facing injury issues: Haliburton sports a heavily taped left wrist, while the Cavs are set to bring back three pivotal players—Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter.
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6:08 left in 2Q, Cavaliers 48, Pacers 38: Indiana has not scored in 2:18. Jarrett Allen’s basket leads to a timeout.
9:06 left in 2Q, Cavaliers 41, Pacers 36: Bennedict Mathurin contributes 10 points from the bench, while T.J. McConnell adds 6 assists. Max Strus scores 11 points, with Evan Mobley adding 10 for the Cavs, who have maintained the lead.
End 1Q, Pacers 32, Cavaliers 32: Ben Sheppard nails a 3-pointer with 1 second remaining, bringing Indiana back from a 15-point deficit.
Darius Garland from Cleveland picks up his 3rd foul with 1:47 remaining. He has 3 points and 2 assists.
Bennedict Mathurin’s second 3-pointer finishes a 10-point run for the Pacers, narrowing their deficit to 25-20.
Cleveland, which has had difficulties with 3-pointers in this series, is shooting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Obi Toppin’s free throws with 5:15 left are the first points for Indiana from anyone other than Myles Turner.
6:41 left in 1Q, Cavaliers 19, Pacers 8: Indiana doesn’t make a field goal for the first 5:19. The Pacers are shooting 1-of-8 (all points from Myles Turner) against Cleveland’s 7-of-11. Max Strus has 8 points, and Cleveland has 11 before Indiana scores.
10:26 left in 1Q, Cavaliers 6, Pacers 0: Cleveland secures a couple of offensive rebounds. Timeout called by the Pacers.
Pacers: Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, Tyrese Haliburton
Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.
Expert predictions and picks for today’s Pacers vs. Cavaliers game on May 9
Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar: Pacers 123-119
“The Cavs have a solid chance of getting Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter back on Friday. As a 64-win team, they come into Game 3 with the determination to avoid being swept. However, the Pacers have been pushing them hard and enjoy the advantage of being at home with a 2-0 lead. While the Cavs still have time to turn this around and homecourt advantage can waver, they haven’t shown they can keep pace with the Pacers’ tempo and secure close games.”
“Cleveland finds itself in a must-win situation. Teams falling down 3-0 rarely recover, so the Cavaliers have to fight hard to prevent that at Indiana. The odds may not be in their favor, but they are slight favorites, and those odds might increase if Mobley or Hunter is confirmed to play. Currently set at -120 to -135, Cleveland appears to be a solid bet and could rise past -175.”
Dimers.com: Cavs 115, Pacers 114
Fox Sports: Cavaliers 119, Pacers 114
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is unavailable.
Cavaliers: Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle), De’Andre Hunter (thumb) are questionable.
(All times ET; *-if necessary)
Game 1, May 4: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
Game 2, May 6: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119
Game 3, Fri., May 9: at Pacers, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4, Sun., May 11: at Pacers, 8 p.m., TNT
*-Game 5, Tues., May 13: at Cavaliers, TBA
*-Game 6, Thurs., May 15: at Pacers, TBA
*-Game 7, Sun., May 18: at Cavaliers, TBA
TV Coverage: ESPN. No games in this series will air on FanDuel Sports Network.
Stream with a free Fubo trial.
93.5 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, featuring Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analysis), and Pat Boylan (sideline reporting). Game 2 will be streaming on SiriusXM channels 81 (Cavaliers feed) and 86.
Are the Pacers favored against the Cavs today, May 9? Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers betting odds
via BetMGM
Game 3 favorite: Cavaliers by 2.5 points
Over/under: 229.5 total points
Moneyline: Pacers +120, Cavs -145
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Pacers a 53.1% chance of winning.
Game 3 tickets for the Pacers start at $121 on StubHub.
Find Pacers tickets on StubHub.
(with series averages)
- Pascal Siakam (14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 62.5% free throws)
- Tyrese Haliburton (20.5 points, 8.5 assists, 2.0 blocked shots, 50% 3-pointers)
- Myles Turner (18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 37.5% 3-pointers)
- Aaron Nesmith (20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocked shots, 64.3% 3-pointers)
- Andrew Nembhard (18.0 points, 9.5 assists, 50% 3-pointers)
- Donovan Mitchell (40.5 points, 6.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 11.1% 3-pointers, 23-of-30 free throws)
- Darius Garland (Has not played)
- Evan Mobley (1 game; 20 points, 2-of-5 3-pointers, 10 rebounds, 2 steals)
- Jarrett Allen (17.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocked shots, 81.3% shooting, 8-of-8 free throws)
- Max Strus (15.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 35% 3-pointers)