Second Round NBA betting postseason action includes a series that rates among the best in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record in the Eastern Conference, they are not overwhelming favorites against the Indiana Pacers. Many bargain hunters are giving the Pacers a hard look as a potentially strong value and an upset candidate. Indiana took out Milwaukee dominantly in five games. Cleveland swept the Miami Heat 4-0. First game action saw Indiana upset the Cavs in a 121-112 road win to claim home court advantage.
2025 NBA Playoffs Second Round Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 7 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | +8½ -115 | 230 -110 | +289 |  |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -8½ -105 | 230 -110 | -360 | |
| ||||
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers Series Schedule
- Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
- Game 2: Pacers at Cavaliers | Tue., May 6 (7 ET, TNT)
- Game 3: Cavaliers at Pacers | Fri., May 9 (7:30 ET, ESPN)
- Game 4: Cavaliers at Pacers | Sun., May 11 (8 ET, TNT)
- Game 5*: Pacers at Cavaliers | Tue., May 13 (TBD, TNT)
- Game 6*: Cavaliers at Pacers | Thu., May 15 (TBD)
- Game 7*: Pacers at Cavaliers | Sun., May 18 (TBD)
* If necessary
Cleveland Cavaliers Overview
In sum, Cleveland’s online betting metrics were first for scoring offense, second for field goal percentage, second for 3-point field goal percentage, 17th for free throw percentage, and sixth for offensive rebounding. While on defense, the Cavaliers’ metrics were 14th for scoring defense, third for field goal percentage permitted, 13th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 11th for defensive rebounding.
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with a regular season record of 64-18 straight up, 48-33-1 against the spread, and 51-31 over/under the NBA betting total. As a result, Cleveland was first in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, three games behind the Boston Celtics.
Indiana Pacers Overview
Overall, Indiana’s NBA metrics were 7th for scoring offense, 3rd for field goal percentage, 9th for 3-point field goal percentage, 9th for free throw percentage, and 28th for offensive rebounding. While on defense, the Pacers’ metrics were 19th for scoring defense, 23rd for field goal percentage permitted, 9th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 23rd for defensive rebounding.
The Indiana Pacers‘ final regular season record was 50-32 straight up, 36-45-1 against the spread, and 43-36 over/under the NBA betting total. As a result, Indiana was fourth in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, 14 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers Series Matchup
To summarize the series between the Cavaliers and Pacers, Indiana got the money in six of the most recent nine meetings. Also, six of the last nine meetings between the Cavaliers and Pacers went over the total.
Specifically at Cleveland, the Pacers got the cash in four of their last five visits agaisnt the Cavaliers. The Cavs and Pacers went over the total in four of their most recent five meetings at Cleveland.
On the other hand, at Indiana, the Cavaliers got the cash in five of their last eight visits agaisnt the Pacers. Three of the last five games between the Cavs and Pacers at Indiana went under the NBA betting total.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers SBG Free Picks
As mentioned earlier, the Pacers won the first two games of this series. Now, a good Indiana team has a home court advantage and a favorable price. Cleveland has yet to prove it can win in the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers SBG Best Bet: Indiana Pacers.