Pacers vs Cavaliers Game 3 Player Prop Picks (May 9)

• In Game 2, the Pacers secured a dramatic 120-119 victory over the Cavaliers, with Tyrese Haliburton hitting a game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds.
• Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 48-point performance, the Cavaliers fell short and now trail 0-2 in the series.
• These two teams last met on May 6, 2025, in a closely contested game that the Pacers won 120-119, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Indiana Pacers host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday, May 9, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage on ESPN.

Indiana Pacers Player Prop Pick: Tyrese Haliburton Assists

Tyrese Haliburton continues to be the team’s backbone, providing both scoring and playmaking. Averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game, Haliburton is essential in driving the Pacers’ fast-paced offense.

• Haliburton is the primary facilitator in Indiana’s offense, averaging 9.2 assists per game during the playoffs. He thrives in setting up teammates, especially in transition, which aligns well with the Pacers’ fast-paced style.
• When the Pacers are at home, Haliburton typically performs better at home, averaging more assists compared to road games. Expect him to continue orchestrating the offense effectively.
• Cleveland has struggled to contain dynamic guards, and with the Cavs’ defensive rotations looking shaky, Haliburton should exploit this with precision passing.

Cleveland Cavaliers Player Prop Pick: Donovan Mitchell

Despite brilliant individual performances, the Cavaliers find themselves in a deep hole, trailing 0-2 in the series. Donovan Mitchell’s 48-point outburst in Game 2 exemplified his scoring prowess, but it also highlighted Cleveland’s over-reliance on one player. Injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley have limited the team’s depth, putting additional pressure on Mitchell.

• Mitchell has been a high-usage player, especially with Garland and Mobley limited. Coming off a 48-point performance in Game 2, he will again shoulder the scoring load.
• Mitchell has demonstrated his ability to score under pressure, especially when the team is trailing in the series. His aggressive mindset will likely continue as the Cavs face a must-win game.
• The Pacers lack a true lockdown defender for a player of Mitchell’s caliber. With Indiana focusing on perimeter containment, Mitchell’s ability to score off the dribble and from deep will be crucial.