- by Landon Vogel
- on 14 May, 2025
Big Stakes for Game 5: Cavaliers vs Pacers Showdown
No one expected this second-round NBA Playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers to be anything less than a shootout. Game 5, tipping off at 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, has all eyes locked on Cleveland’s high-powered offense and ridiculous home record. Cavs fans already know their squad closed the regular season at 34-7 in the Q, making them about as comfortable as you get in modern basketball. Oddsmakers took note, installing the Cavaliers as legit -6.5 point favorites with a moneyline of -265—no small statement when you consider how volatile playoff games can swing.
The national spotlight will be on, with TNT, MAX, and truTV all carrying the game. Viewers are in for a treat, with the total set at 229.5 points—reflecting how both squads love to pile it on. The Cavs averaged 122.1 points per game, and with expert projections pushing a final score around 122-112 in their favor, don’t be shocked if you see highlight after highlight. It’s not just about the numbers, though. This Cleveland team has become something of an underrated powerhouse: a monstrous 64-18 record in the regular season, but somehow, they keep flying just under the radar with the public and some analysts.
Breaking Down the Numbers and What to Watch For
Take a look at the betting angles, and you’ll spot why this game is on every bettor’s list. The teams burst past the 229.5-point mark in 50 out of 82 games combined this season. When these two get together, defense gets stretched, and the stat sheet fills up. The over/under isn’t just Vegas guessing—the offenses make it real. Indiana, always an unpredictable unit in the postseason, comes in as a +215 underdog. But their speed and push on the break could keep Cleveland honest, especially if they can hang close early—yet it’s tough to ignore how the Cavaliers vs Pacers clash trends toward high scores and a Cavs cover, especially at home.
If you’re setting your own projection, digging into the teams’ recent form matters. Cleveland hasn’t just been good at home—they’ve been dominant. Their shooters get hot, the energy inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse gets wild, and opponents often find themselves playing catch-up before halftime. The Pacers, for all their quickness and guts, have struggled on the road against top-tier offenses and might need to find an extra gear to stay in this one. While there’s always room for playoff surprises, the numbers, the odds, and the momentum point squarely in Cleveland’s direction for Game 5. If you love offense and big stakes, this matchup checks every box.