Cavaliers vs Pacers NBA Pick: Can Top-Seeded Cleveland Stave Off Elimination? (May 13)

• After suffering a humiliating loss in Game 3 on their home court, the Indiana Pacers responded and are one win away from advancing to the conference finals.
• Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers desperately need a win at home to keep their postseason run alive.
• These squads last played on May 11, with the Pacers cruising to a 20-point victory.

One of the games on Tuesday’s NBA slate features the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of a second-round Eastern Conference playoff series. Can Cleveland extend its season in our Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 5 pick?

Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 4 Recap

After dropping the first two games at home, the Cavaliers responded with a blowout victory in Game 3. Unfortunately, the momentum was short-lived, as the Pacers bounced back with a 20-point win in Game 4. As a result, the top-seeded Cavaliers are just one loss away from elimination.

Darius Garland spearheaded Cleveland’s offense with 21 points and six assists on 6-of-11 shooting from the field.

Donovan Mitchell, who missed the entire second half of the game due to an ankle injury, finished with 12 points, converting only three of his 11 shot attempts.

On the other side of this matchup, the Pacers’ offense placed five players, including four starters, in double figures. Pascal Siakam scored a team-high 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, and handed out three assists.

Myles Turner added 20 points and seven rebounds, and Obi Toppin chipped in with 20 points and five rebounds off the bench.

Unlike Game 3, the Pacers set the tone early this time. They outscored Cleveland 38-23 in the opening stanza. Thanks to runs of 11-2 and 13-0, Indiana built a 48-23 lead with 9:24 left in the second quarter.

They didn’t stop there, though. The Pacers’ onslaught continued, as they closed the first half with a 19-2 burst to take an 80-39 lead into the break. Cleveland outscored Indiana 70-49 in the second half, but the damage was already done.

Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 5 Pick: Does Cleveland Stay Alive, Or Does Indiana Move On?

Despite a humbling defeat, the Cavaliers enter this matchup as a seven-point favorite (per BetOnline). Here are a few betting trends for both sides looking ahead to Game 5.

• The Cavaliers are 13-7 straight-up (SU) in their last 20 games.
• Cleveland is 1-7 against the spread in its previous eight home contests against Indiana.
• The Pacers are 14-3 in their last 17 outings against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Indiana has covered the spread seven times in its previous 10 contests.

The Pacers, including the playoffs, are 6-2 against Cleveland and are one win away from advancing to the conference finals.

I still like the Cavaliers’ chances of staving off elimination on their home floor. However, if Mitchell can’t go, the Pacers will come out on top.