Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Following two strong showings away from home, the Indiana Pacers delivered a lackluster performance in Game 3, falling 126–104 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs’ Eastern Conference semifinals. This setback dulled the shine of their earlier accomplishments, though their campaign is far from over. They’ve performed admirably thus far, and securing a victory in the next game could propel them closer to the Conference Finals—a goal few likely anticipated, especially in this fashion.

In the opening two games, the Indiana Pacers capitalized on a seemingly complacent Cleveland Cavaliers squad, maintaining sharp focus themselves. However, that intensity was absent in Game 3, where the home team lacked vigor. This was most apparent in their defense, which allowed Cleveland 18 offensive rebounds and failed to contain Donovan Mitchell, who erupted for 43 points. No Pacer could counter his dominance or slow him down.

The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their strength in the first round against the Miami Heat, a formidable playoff foe, dismantling them by one of the widest margins in NBA postseason history. Paradoxically, that overwhelming success might have left them unprepared for the Pacers’ early series aggression. While their initial performance was lackluster, the Cavaliers have now regained their footing in the race to advance.

Even in their Game 3 triumph, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t reach their peak form. Their free-throw accuracy dipped below 80%, and their three-point shooting hovered around 30%—subpar figures that gave the Pacers more leeway for errors. Cleveland’s tenacity on the offensive boards, securing nearly 20 rebounds, proved decisive. They’ll need to lean on that resilience if their primary strategy falters.

Two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers faced off, and the Cavs won 126-104 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points, Max Strus scored 20, and Jarrett Allen scored 19 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 points for the Pacers, while Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam ended with 18 and 15, respectively. In the last ten meetings between these two teams, the Pacers have won six of them.

Max Strus averages 2.5 (41.0%) 3-pointers, Jarrett Allen averages 9.5 rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell averages 22.8 points and 3.8 assists. Aaron Nesmith is pulling down 5.5 rebounds and making 2.5 (53.2%) 3-pointers, while Pascal Siakam is scoring 14.6 points. Tyrese Haliburton averages 8.0 assists per game.

Allen, who scored 12 points in the first game of the series, is expected to score at least 13 points in Game 3. In Game 1, he went 6 for 7 but didn't get the touches he needed as Cleveland guards Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome combined for 50 shots. Allen went 7 for 9 in Game 2 and was a little more involved. If the Cavaliers know what's best for them, they should keep Allen as a focal point.

Allen's rebounding projections for Game 3 range from 9.4 to 11 rebounds. Four of Allen's six postseason games have seen him grab ten or more rebounds, and advanced metrics put him in position for 16.2 rebounds per game during the playoffs.