(WJW/AP) — It’s potentially come down to Tuesday.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who brought fans much joy (and hope) as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 regular-season record, are on the brink of elimination after being blown out 129-109 at Indiana to fall behind in Round 2 3-1.

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Pacers player ejected for closed fist hit to Cavs player

The Pacers, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, are well aware there’s work ahead to return, but if Tuesday evening’s game in Cleveland is a repeat of Sunday, it shouldn’t be too difficult to bypass the Cavs.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks across the court in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks across the court in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 11: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks across the court before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 11: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks across the court before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 09: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 09, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 09: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 09, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The injuries have been adding up for the Cavs, but All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell’s will be playing Tuesday night. Sam Merrill will be out with a neck strain.

Cleveland’s Darius Garland scored 21 points in Game 4, but he’s still recovering from a toe injury.

Browns’ Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out for 2025 season

Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were also with dealing with injuries, causing them to miss Game 2 of the series. As in previous games, fans won’t find out which Cavaliers players are officially in until close to gametime.

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The game starts at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena. Find out more about tickets and fan appreciation events right here. If the Cavs force a Game 6, they’ll be headed back to Indiana Thursday.

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