In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers look to reclaim home-court advantage against the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers. After Indiana took an early series lead with two road wins, Cleveland responded emphatically with a dominant 126-104 road victory in Game 3 on Friday night.
The Cavaliers received a significant boost with the return of key players who were previously sidelined. Evan Mobley and De`Andre Hunter rejoined the lineup after missing Game 2, while All-Star guard Darius Garland returned from a four-game absence due to a toe injury.
Sunday`s game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Current betting lines list Cleveland as a 5.5-point favorite. The over/under for total points scored is set at 230.5. On the money line, Cleveland is priced at -225, with Indiana listed at +185.
Betting Insights and Statistics
- Point Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5
- Total Points Over/Under: 230.5
- Money Line: Cleveland -225, Indiana +185
- Cleveland`s season against the spread record: 52-36-1
- Indiana`s season against the spread record: 42-47-1
Why Bet on the Pacers
Despite a disappointing performance in Game 3, the Pacers still have an opportunity to take significant control of the series with a win on Sunday. In the last game, they managed to cut Cleveland`s lead to 11 points in the fourth quarter but couldn`t get closer. Bennedict Mathurin provided a spark off the bench, leading Indiana with 23 points on efficient 6-of-11 shooting.
Earlier in the series, point guard Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental, including his 22-point effort in Game 1, shooting 9 of 15. Center Myles Turner contributed a double-double in that same game with 13 points and 11 rebounds. In Game 2, all five Indiana starters scored in double figures, highlighted by Andrew Nembhard`s 13 points and 13 assists. The Pacers have a solid recent track record against the spread, covering in six of their last nine games.
Why Bet on the Cavaliers
Cleveland aims to regain home-court advantage with another road victory on Sunday. Their dominant Game 3 performance was highlighted by outscoring Indiana 34-13 in the second quarter, after which they maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. Shooting guard Donovan Mitchell was the driving force offensively, pouring in 43 points and grabbing nine rebounds on 14-of-29 shooting.
All five Cleveland starters reached double figures in Game 3. Evan Mobley had a strong return from injury, recording a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Center Jarrett Allen also posted a double-double, contributing 19 points and 12 boards. The Cavaliers appear to be the superior team when healthy. Historically, they have performed well against the spread when playing in Indiana, covering in five of their last six visits.
Expert Predictions
Analysis suggests a total score leaning Under the projected line of 230.5 points, with one side of the spread identified as having significant value.
Jasper Hawthorne