Pacers vs Cavaliers: Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips🔥
After outlasting a shorthanded Bucks squad, the Pacers roll into Round 2 full of confidence - but Cleveland presents a much more complete challenge. The Cavaliers’ elite defense, dominant frontcourt, and home-court advantage should wear down Indiana over a six-game grind. Expect Indiana to snag one at home and one tight contest late, but the Cavs’ size and depth should carry them to a series win.
🔮 Series Prediction: Cavaliers 4-2
📊 Player Analysis
🔥 Likely to Perform
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
- 21.8 PPG, 11.2 APG in the postseason - and undefeated at home in playoff games (9-0).
- Expect strong Game 1 playmaking, though Cleveland’s length may force late-clock shots.
Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers)
- With 13.0 RPG vs Orlando, Allen should feast again on the glass.
- Indiana allowed second-chance surges against Milwaukee - this is Allen’s series to control the paint.
Andrew Nembhard (Pacers)
- Quietly blossoming into a reliable two-way guard: efficient scoring, tough defense, and fearless late.
- His confidence from deep (especially corner looks) is becoming a weapon.
🚨 Likely to Underperform
Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Struggled with consistency vs Milwaukee’s defense; now faces Mobley and Allen at the rim.
- Siakam had the lowest true shooting percentage among Indiana’s core starters in Round 1.
Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Will draw tough matchups in Nesmith and Nembhard.
- With Garland emerging as a second scorer, Mitchell may take a step back in volume or efficiency.
🎯 Game 1 Betting Preview & Picks
📍 Location: Cleveland
🏆 Match Odds:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: $1.29 / -338
- Indiana Pacers: $3.72 / +272
💸 Game 1 Best Bets
✅ Match Winner
➡️ Cleveland to Win: $1.29 / -338
At home with rest advantage and playoff-tested defense.
✅ Handicap
➡️ Indiana +8.5: $1.83 / -121
Pacers have covered the spread in every playoff road game — they don’t get blown out.
✅ Total Points 227.5
➡️ Over 227.5: $1.77 / -130
Indiana’s pace drives high totals. Game 1 could start loose and fast. Four of their last five games went over.
🔥 Player Props
🎯 Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 Assists: $1.86 / -116
Has averaged 11+ assists through the playoffs. Even against elite D, he’ll rack up dimes.
🎯 Jarrett Allen Over 10.5 Rebounds: $1.94 / -106
A rebound machine. Indiana's frontcourt has no consistent answer for him.
🎯 Andrew Nembhard Over 1.5 Threes Made: $2.30 / +130
Hot from beyond the arc and gaining volume. High value at this price.
🧲 Final Call: Bet Big, Bet Smart with SBX
The series is loaded with matchups, value props, and fast-paced basketball - and Game 1 is just the beginning. Whether you're betting the spread, riding Haliburton’s assist train, or chasing Nembhard bombs from deep, SBX gives you every edge with real-time markets and crypto-powered speed.
🏀 Ready to lock in your picks?
Sign in to SBX, place your bets, and follow every second of the action with instant crypto payouts and the best in-play odds in the game.
🏁 Looking for even more action?
Check out our Biggest Sports and Racing Events of 2025 - a full guide to the top tournaments and races worth wagering on this year.
Odds are correct as of 4am UTC, 2nd May 2025
