The Indiana Pacers aim to build on their momentum as they face the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Following a 121-112 victory in Game 1, the Pacers have seized home-court advantage and look to extend their series lead.
Game 1 Recap
In the series opener, the Pacers showcased a balanced offensive attack. Andrew Nembhard led the team with 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 22 points and 13 assists. Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith each added 17 points, and Myles Turner recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Indiana's perimeter shooting was particularly effective, hitting 19 of 36 three-point attempts.
The Cavaliers, despite Donovan Mitchell's 33 points, struggled with efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, where Mitchell made only 1 of 11 attempts. Evan Mobley added 20 points and 10 rebounds, but the absence of Darius Garland due to a toe injury was felt in Cleveland's offensive rhythm.
Game 2 Preview
Cleveland faces significant injury concerns heading into Game 2. Evan Mobley (ankle), De'Andre Hunter (thumb), and Darius Garland (toe) are all listed as questionable. Their availability could be pivotal in the Cavaliers' efforts to even the series.
While the Cavs are an undoubtedly talented team, Game 1 seemed to prove something I'd said in the comments in the lead-up to Sunday's game: the Cavs have not been to war in the playoffs. They've been very vocal about how physical the Pacers were in the opener, even sending three plays to the league office for review.
Kenny Atkinson: "They were more aggressive. More forceful. But I do think there were 3 calls we questioned to the league... going to try to simplify this. In my opinion, all 3 plays were excessive in nature."
— Tony East (@TonyREast) May 6, 2025
Clarified that he didn't think there was intent behind the plays.
Let's be honest, that game didn't rank in the top-20 of the Pacers most physical contests in the past two-years. I fully expect the Cavs to step up their intensity and bring the physicality required to win a knock-down, drag-out playoff series, but the Pacers experience with the Bucks and Knicks (and just generally the whole league hating them) has given them an edge in the early goings of Round 2.
Anyway, if you find it funny that we are now being labeled as the dirty team after being know as the "soft" team for so long, know you're in good company.
“This whole notion about us being this overly physical team, I’m smiling about it a little bit. We’re not a big, bruising team,” Carlisle says.
— Tony East (@TonyREast) May 6, 2025
Hopefully the Pacers can keep kicking ass tonight.
Injuries
I would be very surprised if Garland, Mobley or Hunter played tonight for the #Cavs.
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) May 6, 2025
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.
TV: TNT, TRUTV, MAX
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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