Tipoff: Friday, May 9 at 7:30 PM ET | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis | Broadcast: ESPN
The stage is set in Indianapolis for a pivotal Game 3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, as the surging Indiana Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with an improbable 2-0 lead over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
After securing both road games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in dramatic fashion, the Pacers now have a golden opportunity to push the Cavaliers to the brink of elimination.
Series Recap: Pacers Shock the Top Seed
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2025 postseason as the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a league-best 64–18 record and sky-high expectations. However, those hopes have been jolted after suffering two consecutive home losses to the surging Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
In Game 1, Indiana made an early statement with a 121–112 victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Pacers leaned on a balanced offensive attack and took control in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge, showcasing his elite court vision and shot-making ability down the stretch.
Game 2 delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent playoff memory. Trailing by seven points with under a minute to go, Indiana executed a stunning 8–0 run to steal a 120–119 win on Tuesday night. Haliburton capped the comeback with a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left, completing one of the most improbable rallies in NBA postseason history.
Haliburton’s Heroics
The All-Star guard has been sensational through the first two games of the series. Haliburton scored 19 points in the opener and followed it up with 22 in Game 2, including the decisive triple that silenced the Cleveland crowd. His poise under pressure and ability to create in tight moments have lifted the Pacers to a shocking 2–0 lead.
Cavaliers: Short-Handed and Shaken
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves on the brink of collapse in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and a wave of injuries hasn’t made their task any easier. Star guard Donovan Mitchell has carried a monumental burden for Cleveland, pouring in 48 points in Game 2 — the most ever scored against the Indiana Pacers in a playoff game.
Despite Mitchell’s heroics, the Cavaliers have been severely hampered by the absence of multiple key players. Darius Garland is listed as questionable with a lingering toe sprain that has plagued him since the opening round. Evan Mobley continues to battle an ankle sprain, while De’Andre Hunter, acquired midseason, remains sidelined with a thumb injury.
All three missed Game 2, and their availability for Game 3 is still up in the air — casting doubt on Cleveland’s chances of mounting a comeback in this series.
Pacers Playing with Confidence
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has his team executing at a high level, blending poise with purpose in one of the most surprising postseason runs of the year. After exceeding expectations during the regular season, the Pacers now find themselves with a golden opportunity to shake up the Eastern Conference landscape.
A trio of key contributors has been central to Indiana’s surge. Veteran big man Myles Turner delivered a dominant performance in Game 2, finishing with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks. On the wing, Aaron Nesmith added 23 points and connected on five three-pointers while playing standout perimeter defense. Meanwhile, second-year guard Andrew Nembhard orchestrated the offense with a poised 13-point, 13-assist double-double.
The Pacers’ strength lies in their depth. In Game 2, six players scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s balance and unselfish style. Their bench production, combined with late-game composure, continues to set them apart in a series that has flipped the playoff script.
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Carlisle praised his team’s grit following the dramatic Game 2 win: “This group has grown up a lot. We’ve got guys who believe in each other, who make the right plays under pressure. That’s what playoff basketball is all about.”
All eyes will now turn to whether Indiana can sustain this momentum as the series shifts to their home floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Injury Report
The Indiana Pacers will be without backup big man Isaiah Jackson in Game 3, as he remains sidelined with a torn Achilles. Jackson’s absence reduces the team’s frontcourt depth, though Indiana has managed well behind the strong play of Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam.
The Cleveland Cavaliers face more uncertainty on the injury front. Darius Garland is listed as questionable with a toe sprain that has lingered since their first-round series. Garland’s return could provide a significant lift to Cleveland’s perimeter offense, improving both spacing and playmaking.
Also questionable are De’Andre Hunter, who is nursing a sprained thumb, and Evan Mobley, who continues to deal with an ankle sprain. Mobley’s absence in particular has been a major blow to the Cavaliers’ interior defense — a critical vulnerability against Indiana’s highly skilled frontcourt.
What’s at Stake
For Indiana, a Game 3 win would put them one step away from the Eastern Conference Finals, a stage they last reached in 2014. For Cleveland, it’s do-or-die time. A loss would mean a 3-0 deficit — a nearly insurmountable hole in NBA playoff history.
Projected Starters
Indiana Pacers
- G: Tyrese Haliburton
- G: Andrew Nembhard
- F: Aaron Nesmith
- F: Pascal Siakam
- C: Myles Turner
Cleveland Cavaliers
- G: Ty Jerome
- G: Donovan Mitchell
- F: Max Strus
- F: Dean Wade
- C: Jarrett Allen
How to Watch: Pacers vs. Cavaliers – Game 3
Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers will be broadcast nationally on Friday, May 9, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Television Coverage
- National TV Broadcast: ESPN
- Play-by-Play: Ryan Ruocco
- Analyst: Cory Alexander
- Sideline Reporter: Angel Gray
Streaming Options
Fans can stream the game live through several digital platforms, including:
- FuboTV – Offers a free trial for new subscribers.
- Sling TV – Requires a paid subscription and includes ESPN in select packages.
- YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV also carry ESPN and provide full live coverage.
Please note that streaming availability may vary based on geographic location and service provider. Fans outside the United States may need a VPN to access these services.
Radio Broadcast
Local and regional radio coverage will be provided by:
- 93.5/107.5 The Fan (Indianapolis)
- Play-by-Play: Mark Boyle
- Color Analyst: Eddie Gill
- Sideline Reporter: Pat Boylan
Fans can also listen via the NBA App or on SiriusXM NBA Radio for national radio coverage.
Bottom Line
If the Cavaliers want to keep their championship hopes alive, Game 3 is non-negotiable. But with the Pacers feeding off a raucous home crowd, riding a wave of confidence, and boasting the best player in the series so far in Tyrese Haliburton, the East’s top seed faces a daunting task Friday night in Indianapolis.
