Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3: Prediction, Probable Starting Lineups, And Injury Updates (May 09, 2025)

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)

Coming to the semis, very few expected the Indiana Pacers to make a game out of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yet, after two games, the Cavs are in trouble. The Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious position trying to secure their first win. With just five games left, the Cavs are currently trailing 0-2 in the conference semifinals. Thus, coming into Game 3, it is a do-or-die situation for the likes of Donovan Mitchell. On the other hand, the Pacers would like to almost seal their fate with a hat-trick of wins in Game 3.

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3: Prediction

Jarrett Allen (Photo by Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)

While the Pacers took care of Game 1, the Cavaliers looked quite dominant in Game 2. Throughout the game, the Cavs created significant problems for the Pacers’ defense line. Seeded first in the East, the Cavaliers opened with a strong 32-15 score in the first quarter. Right before the final whistle, the game looked to be ending in favor of the Cavaliers.

With the score reading 119-117, Tyrese Haliburton decided to spice things up. Being fouled by Mitchell on a layup attempt, Haliburton got the first. However, he did miss his second attempt but managed to grab the rebound. With just 2 seconds left on the clock, Haliburton hit a 3-pointer, stunning the Cavaliers and securing an astonishing victory for the Pacers. Now, with a lot at stake for Game 3, it remains to be seen how things pan out as the game begins.