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Cavaliers vs Pacers predictions: Who wins Eastern Conference Semifinal series?
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- Cavaliers vs Pacers predictions: Who wins Eastern Conference Semifinal series?
CLEVELAND — A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals is on the line as Donovan Mitchell and the No. 1 Cavaliers face the No. 4 Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Cavs are coming off of a historic four-game sweep of the Miami Heat , while the Pacers bested the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.
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Game 1 is set for 6 p.m. Sunday , May 4. Darius Garland's status remains up in the air.
3 keys: 'Head of the snake': Cavaliers, Pacers face off in NBA playoffs | Keys to the series
Here are predictions for the series from Beacon Journal writers Nate Ulrich and Ryan Lewis.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) passes the ball as Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends on April 13, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Pacers vs. Cavs prediction: Who wins NBA Eastern Conference semifinals series?
Ulrich: The Pacers' five-out offense and elite transition attack will present problems for the Cavaliers . On the other hand, the Cavs have been even more difficult for opponents to limit. Expect shootouts early and often. The Cavs had the NBA's best offensive rating in the regular season (121), and they're also leading the pack in the playoffs (136.2). The Pacers were ninth in offensive rating through the regular season (115.4), and they're second in the postseason (118). Grab your popcorn and go to the bathroom during timeouts. Otherwise, you'll miss some fireworks. Cavaliers win series 4-2
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Lewis:The Cavs demolished the Heat, but I think that was in large part due to Miami just falling apart. The Cavs have discussed Jarrett Allen 's defensive footprint extending out to the perimeter in the past, and that'll be tested in this series against the Pacers' five-out offensive system, which Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson called the most difficult thing to guard in basketball. But while the Pacers can put pressure on the Cavs lineup offensively, can Indiana defend Evan Mobley and Allen inside while also slowing down Donovan Mitchell and Co. on the outside? I don't buy into the idea the Cavs are better with Darius Garland sidelined, so his return at some point in the series would be helpful. Cavaliers win series 4-2
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs vs Indiana Pacers predictions for playoff series
