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HomeGamingPacers vs. Cavaliers Game 2: Preview, Odds, Injuries

Pacers vs. Cavaliers Game 2: Preview, Odds, Injuries

Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA Playoffs 2025, Game 2, Tyrese Haliburton, Darius Garland injury, Evan Mobley injury, DeAndre Hunter injury, Eastern Conference Semifinals, Series Prediction, Betting Odds, Rocket Arena, May 6, Sling TV, NBA Playoff Series

Pacers Shock Cavaliers in Game 1, Setting Stage for Pivotal Game 2

The Indiana Pacers landed a significant opening blow in their 2025 NBA playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, securing a 121-112 victory in Game 1 that reverberated throughout the league. The unexpected win has placed the Cavaliers under immediate pressure and transformed the upcoming Game 2 on Tuesday night in Cleveland into a critical encounter with the potential to dramatically shift the series’ trajectory.

The Pacers, largely underestimated entering the series, showcased their offensive firepower and resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter where they unleashed a decisive surge led by their dynamic point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton orchestrated the Pacers’ attack, racking up 22 points and dishing out 13 assists, proving to be a constant thorn in the Cavaliers’ side. His playmaking ability and scoring prowess were instrumental in the Pacers’ ability to pull away late in the game, silencing the Cleveland crowd and injecting a jolt of confidence into the Indiana squad.

Despite the Game 1 loss, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the betting favorites to win Game 2 and ultimately advance past the Pacers in this Eastern Conference semifinal series. Their status as the top seed in the East reflects their regular-season dominance and the talent-laden roster they possess. However, the Cavaliers’ path forward is complicated by a series of nagging injuries that threaten to derail their championship aspirations.

The Cavaliers’ injury woes are concentrated in their frontcourt and backcourt, raising concerns about their depth and ability to match the Pacers’ intensity. Forwards Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter are both listed as questionable for Game 2 after sustaining injuries during the Game 1 defeat. Mobley’s potential absence would be particularly detrimental, as he serves as a key rim protector and offensive contributor. Hunter’s status also remains uncertain, further thinning the Cavaliers’ forward ranks.

Adding to the Cavaliers’ concerns, All-Star point guard Darius Garland is also questionable for Tuesday’s game due to a persistent toe injury that sidelined him for Game 1. Garland’s absence severely hampered the Cavaliers’ offensive flow and put immense pressure on their remaining guards. His availability for Game 2 remains a major question mark, leaving the Cavaliers scrambling to find solutions to their backcourt woes.

The Cavaliers’ injury situation presents a significant challenge for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who must devise a game plan that compensates for the potential absence of key players. Bickerstaff’s ability to adjust his rotations and offensive schemes will be crucial in determining whether the Cavaliers can bounce back and even the series.

The Pacers, on the other hand, enter Game 2 with a surge of momentum and confidence. Their Game 1 victory demonstrated their ability to compete with and defeat the Cavaliers, and they will be eager to capitalize on the Cavaliers’ injury woes. Head coach Rick Carlisle will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining their offensive aggression and defensive intensity, while also looking to exploit any mismatches created by the Cavaliers’ depleted roster.

The key to the Pacers’ success lies in their ability to control the tempo of the game and limit the Cavaliers’ scoring opportunities. They must continue to rely on Haliburton’s playmaking abilities and find ways to generate open looks for their shooters. Defensively, they must focus on containing the Cavaliers’ star players and preventing them from establishing a rhythm.

For the Cavaliers to turn the tide, they must prioritize their defensive efforts and find ways to generate more consistent offense. They need to limit Haliburton’s impact and disrupt the Pacers’ offensive flow. On the offensive end, they must find ways to compensate for the potential absence of Garland and rely on their remaining players to step up and contribute.

The atmosphere in Rocket Arena on Tuesday night will be electric, as the Cavaliers faithful will be desperate to see their team rebound and avoid falling into a 0-2 series hole. The pressure will be immense, and the Cavaliers must be able to withstand the Pacers’ challenge and deliver a dominant performance.

The outcome of Game 2 will likely hinge on the Cavaliers’ ability to overcome their injury challenges and rediscover their defensive intensity. If they can successfully execute their game plan and limit the Pacers’ offensive output, they have a good chance of evening the series. However, if the Pacers can maintain their momentum and exploit the Cavaliers’ vulnerabilities, they could seize a commanding 2-0 lead and put the Cavaliers on the brink of elimination.

The highly anticipated Game 2 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. ET on May 6 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. Basketball fans can catch the action live on Sling TV.

The Pacers currently lead the series 1-0, but the Cavaliers will be looking to defend their home court and even the series before heading to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.

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