Game Preview: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers—Game 2
(WE) — After a powerful Game 1 win, the Indiana Pacers aim to double down in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Scheduled for Tuesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Indiana will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead on the road before returning home.
On Sunday, the Pacers stunned the Cavs 121-112 behind a complete team performance and elite perimeter shooting. Guards Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard were pivotal in the final quarter, knocking down clutch threes and converting at the line to close out the victory.
Offensive Execution and Backcourt Brilliance
Indiana shot 53% from the field and a blistering 52.8% (19-for-36) from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Cavaliers—who led the NBA in made threes during the regular season—hit just 9-for-38 (23.7%). Nembhard led all Pacers scorers with 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 from deep. Haliburton added a double-double with 22 points and 13 assists.
Forward Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith chipped in 17 points each, while center Myles Turner contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sixth man Bennedict Mathurin added 11 points and five boards in 23 minutes.
The Pacers dished out 30 assists as a team—an elite mark for playoff competition. Of the eight playoff games this year with 30+ assists, Indiana accounts for half.
Cavaliers’ Response and Injury Concerns
Cleveland was led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 33 points on 13-of-30 shooting, but hit just 1-of-11 from three-point range. Ty Jerome posted 21 points off the bench, and Evan Mobley—the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year—added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
However, the Cavs played without starting point guard Darius Garland, who is still nursing a toe injury. Garland is listed as questionable for Game 2 and has missed the last three playoff games. His return would significantly boost Cleveland’s offensive rhythm.
The Cavs are also monitoring the statuses of forward De’Andre Hunter (right thumb sprain) and Mobley (left ankle sprain). Their availability could reshape the Cavaliers’ Game 2 rotation.
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Rebounding and Paint Play
Despite the Pacers’ hot shooting, the battle on the boards was even—both teams hauled in 43 rebounds. Cleveland did dominate inside scoring with a 70-38 advantage in the paint. That inside presence will remain vital as the series unfolds.
Projected Starters
Indiana Pacers:
- G: Tyrese Haliburton
- G: Andrew Nembhard
- F: Aaron Nesmith
- F: Pascal Siakam
- C: Myles Turner
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- G: Sam Merrill
- G: Donovan Mitchell
- F: Max Strus
- F: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Key Stats from Game 1
- Indiana outshot Cleveland 53% to 45.9%.
- Indiana hit 19 threes to Cleveland’s 9.
- Indiana totaled 30 assists; Cleveland had 24.
- Both teams had 43 rebounds.
- Points in the paint: Cleveland 70, Indiana 38.
Injury Report
Pacers:
- Isaiah Jackson – OUT (torn Achilles tendon)
Cavaliers:
- Darius Garland – QUESTIONABLE (left great toe sprain)
- De’Andre Hunter – QUESTIONABLE (right thumb sprain)
- Evan Mobley – QUESTIONABLE (left ankle sprain)
Historical Context & Milestones
The Pacers didn’t win a Game 1 during their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals run, but are now 2-0 in Game 1s this postseason. If Indiana wins Tuesday, it would mark their first back-to-back 2-0 series starts since 2004—when they swept the Boston Celtics and then defeated the Miami Heat 4-2 in the next round.
Haliburton’s 13 assists in Game 1 moved him into the top five all-time for assists in Pacers playoff history. He now has 194 career postseason assists with Indiana, just behind Jamaal Tinsley (196) and Paul George (259).
Haliburton also has five double-doubles in six games during the 2025 playoffs.
Including the regular season, Indiana is now 4-1 against Cleveland this year.
Where to Watch: Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 2
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT
Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
Television Broadcast
- TNT
- truTV
- MAX (formerly HBO Max): Streaming available to subscribers
Live Streaming Options
- MAX (HBO Max): Includes live NBA Playoff coverage
- Sling TV: Offers TNT and truTV in its packages
- DirecTV Stream: Includes TNT and truTV
- FuboTV: Features TNT and truTV access
- NBA League Pass: For out-of-market viewers
Radio Coverage
- Cleveland Cavaliers Radio Network: 100.7 WMMS
- Indiana Pacers Radio Network: 93.5 FM / 107.5 FM The Fan (Indianapolis)
Carlisle’s Confidence in His Group
Carlisle has continued to downplay Cleveland’s injuries while showing unwavering confidence in his team’s depth and defensive discipline.
“Certainly, Garland is going to be back in this one, probably sooner than later,” Carlisle said. “They’re very good at what they do. They’ll adjust.”
His measured respect masks a growing sense that Indiana sees an opening to make a deep playoff run. Led by a core of talented two-way players, the Pacers are increasingly looking like a legitimate threat in the East.
Looking Ahead
After Game 2, the series heads to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday. The Pacers are 9-2 in their last 11 home playoff games and could take control of the series with a sweep of the road games.
