Yesterday’s Results for Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Sean's NBA TUESDAY SLAM DUNK! 19-12 RUN!

Analysis: My selection is on Cleveland minus the points over Indiana at 7 pm ET on Tuesday. This is a classic bounce-back and desperation spot for the Cavaliers as they return home for Game 5 after getting blown out in Game 4. That loss coincided with Donovan Mitchell leaving late in the third quarter due to an ankle injury. While Mitchell’s status remains up in the air as of Tuesday afternoon, he did participate in the team’s shoot-around — a positive sign. Even without Mitchell, Cleveland should be fully locked in and ready to respond in front of its home crowd. The Cavs have been elite at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this season, going 36-9 while outscoring opponents by an average of 11.0 points per game. That level of performance, paired with the urgency of facing elimination, gives them a significant edge. This will be Indiana’s first road game with a chance to close out a series this postseason, and I’m not convinced they’ll rise to the occasion. The Pacers have been inconsistent away from home and could struggle to match the Cavs' intensity in what figures to be a raucous environment. Whether or not Mitchell suits up, expect Cleveland’s defense to set the tone early and their physicality to wear down the Pacers over the course of four quarters. Take Cleveland. Projected score: Cavaliers 117, Pacers 106.