The Indiana Pacers lead their Eastern Conference semifinals series 2-0 and are coming home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, May 9.
The Pacers swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in Rocket Arena, 121-112 in Game 1, and in a crazy 120-119 decision in Game 2. Tyrese Haliburton made a 3-pointer with 1 second left as Indiana rallied from a 20-point deficit.
Both teams have injury concerns: Haliburton has a heavily taped left wrist, and the Cavs are watching the progress of three key players — Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter, all of whom missed Game 2.
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Pacers vs. Cavaliers expert predictions, picks for today, May 9Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar: Pacers 123-119
“The Cavs have a chance to get Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter back Friday and, as a 64-win team, they’ll come into Game 3 with a lot of pride to make sure they don’t get run out of the playoffs. The Pacers, however, have been running them ragged and have the boost of being at home with a 2-0 lead. The Cavs still have time to turn this around and, the way the conference semis have gone across the league, homecourt advantage only means so much. But the Cavs haven’t proven they keep up with the Pacers’ speed and close out games.”
“Cleveland is in an all-out motivational and must-win spot. We know the stats that teams down 3-0 are basically burnt toast, so the Cavaliers will have to do everything possible to avoid that at Indiana. While the odds are against them, Cleveland is the slight favorite and I expect that number to grow if Mobley or Hunter are ruled in. At -120 to -135 odds right now, Cleveland is the best bet as I think they close past -175.”
Dimers.com: Cavs 115, Pacers 114Fox Sports: Cavaliers 119, Pacers 114Pacers-Cavs injury report tonight
Pacers:Â Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is out.
Cavaliers: Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle), De’Andre Hunter (thumb) are questionable.
Cavaliers vs Pacers playoff schedule; start time for Pacers and Cavs today, May 9
(All times ET; *-if necessary)
Game 1, May 4: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
Game 2, May 6: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119
Game 3, Fri., May 9:Â at Pacers, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4, Sun., May 11: at Pacers, 8 p.m., TNT
*-Game 5, Tues., May 13: at Cavaliers, TBA
*-Game 6, Thurs., May 15: at Pacers, TBA
*-Game 7, Sun., May 18: at Cavaliers, TBA
What channel is the Pacers game on today, May 9? How can I watch Pacers-Cavaliers in NBA playoffs?
TV:Â ESPN. No games in this series are on FanDuel Sports Network.
How can I stream, listen to the Pacers today, May 9?
93.5 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analysis) and Pat Boylan (sideline reporting). Game 2 streaming is on SiriusXM channels 81 (Cavaliers feed), 86.
Are the Pacers favored over the Cavs today, May 9? Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers betting odds
via BetMGMÂ
Game 3 favorite: Cavaliers by 2.5 points
Over/under: 229.5 total points
Moneyline: Pacers +120, Cavs -145
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Pacers a 53.1% chance of winning.
How to get tickets for Pacers vs. Cavs game today, May 9?
Game 3 Pacers tickets start at $121 on StubHub.
Look for Pacers tickets on StubHub
Pacers probable starting lineup today, May 9
(with series averages)
Pascal Siakam (14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 62.5% free throws)Tyrese Haliburton (20.5 points, 8.5 assists, 2.0 blocked shots, 50% 3-pointers)Myles Turner (18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 37.5% 3-pointers)Aaron Nesmith (20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocked shots, 64.3% 3-pointers)Andrew Nembhard (18.0 points, 9.5 assists, 50% 3-pointers)Pacers key bench playersCavaliers probable starting lineup today, May 9Donovan Mitchell (40.5 points, 6.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 11.1% 3-pointers, 23-of-30 free throws)Darius Garland (Has not played)Evan Mobley (1 game; 20 points, 2-of-5 3-pointers, 10 rebounds, 2 steals)Jarrett Allen (17.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocked shots, 81.3% shooting, 8-of-8 free throws)Max Strus (15.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 35% 3-pointers)Cavaliers key bench players