The Cleveland Cavaliers (1 seed) are set to face the Indiana Pacers (4 seed) in Game 3 of their 2025 NBA playoff series this Friday evening. The Cavaliers surprisingly dropped the first two games on their home court.
Indiana secured a dramatic 120-119 victory in Game 2, sealed by a game-winning three-pointer from Tyrese Haliburton, completing an 8-0 run and a significant 20-point comeback. Cleveland`s lineup for Game 3 faces uncertainty with De`Andre Hunter (thumb), Darius Garland (toe), and Evan Mobley (ankle) all listed as questionable.
Game 3 tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Betting markets list Cleveland as a 2.5-point favorite, with the total points over/under set at 226.5.
Expert predictions and betting advice are available from the SportsLine Projection Model. This model simulates every NBA game thousands of times and has a proven track record, generating significant returns for bettors following its top-rated NBA picks over multiple seasons. It has been particularly successful in the playoffs and on against-the-spread wagers.
Despite losing the opening games, the Cavaliers have a solid recent record against the spread. Guard Donovan Mitchell is a primary offensive threat, excelling at driving and drawing fouls. In Game 2, he delivered a remarkable performance with 48 points, nine assists, and four steals.
Center Jarrett Allen provides a strong presence on both ends of the court for Cleveland. He leads the team in rebounds and steals in the 2025 playoffs, averaging 15.2 points. Allen has recorded multiple double-doubles this postseason, including a 22-point, 12-rebound, three-block effort in the recent loss.
Indiana heads into the game with a favorable record as both home underdogs and underdogs overall. The Pacers feature a balanced offensive attack, with six players averaging double-digit scoring in this postseason. Their effective shooting, exceeding 50% from the field and 39% from three-point range in their wins against Cleveland, has been a key factor.
Tyrese Haliburton is Indiana`s main orchestrator and scoring threat. In the 2025 NBA playoffs, the 25-year-old leads the team in points and assists, averaging a double-double with over 10 assists per game. He has demonstrated his playmaking ability with numerous double-doubles in the postseason, even tallying 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in his most recent outing.
According to the SportsLine model`s simulation, the prediction for Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 3 leans towards the total score staying Under 226.5. The model also indicates a strong probability for one specific side to cover the point spread.
To find out which team the SportsLine model favors against the spread and get its full prediction for the Cavaliers vs. Pacers game, consult their analysis, which is based on a model that has historically yielded significant profits on top-rated NBA picks.
Jasper Hawthorne