After a commanding victory against the Miami Heat in the first round, the heavily favored Cleveland Cavaliers aim to maintain their strong momentum as they face off against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal this Sunday.

The Cavaliers, fresh from a record-breaking series win where they outscored the Heat by an astonishing 122 points, have a strong home track record, boasting a 36-7 record at Rocket Arena this season.

Game Information

• Date: Sunday
• Tip-off: 6 p.m. ET

The Pacers, currently with a record of 50-32 and 21-21 on the road this season, have shown resilience, winning three out of four games against the Cavaliers during the regular season. With the latest betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Cavaliers are 8.5-point favorites with an over/under set at 229.5 points.

Injury Updates Darius Garland is expected to play despite a toe issue, adding to the Cavaliers’ star power.

Severance, a seasoned expert with a record of $4,452 in returns on his NBA picks, has thoroughly analyzed this matchup, sharing valuable insights on his predictions.

Key Player Matchups

• Cleveland Cavaliers:

  • Donovan Mitchell: Averaging 23.8 points this postseason, showcasing his scoring ability in critical moments.
  • Evan Mobley: Has excelled in previous matchups against the Pacers with an average of 19 points and 12.5 rebounds.

• Indiana Pacers:

  • Pascal Siakam: A vital scoring option, averaging 19.8 points in the first round and known for his performances against the Cavaliers.
  • Tyrese Haliburton: Has delivered impressive double-doubles, contributing significantly to the Pacers’ playoff success.

Conclusion With both teams bringing significant strengths to the court, insights into team dynamics and player conditions will play a crucial role in predicting the outcome. For up-to-date analysis on the spread and crucial betting information, visit SportsLine.