With the Indiana Pacers’ Game 3 set to tip off at 7:30 PM ET against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indy looks to extend its series lead to 3-0. The Pacers’ playoff performance thus far has been full of surprises. Will this list of unexpected events include Indiana taking a three-game lead over the number one seed? Signs point to yes.
Although all home teams lost their series openers in the second round, setting an NBA record, the Pacers will likely not continue this trend. Indiana was able to beat the Cavs, who had one of the best home records in the league during the regular season, on their home court twice.
These historic upsets offer a clearer perspective on the Pacers’ Game 3, which will be played at home in Indiana. They know better than most that home-court advantage does not equate to an easy win.
Carrying the momentum from starting the series 2-0 and the motivation not to let the trend of home defeats continue, Indy should enter Game 3 with a determined mindset.
The latest injury report has three Cavs players listed as questionable. Darius Garland, who has missed the last four games with a big left toe sprain, is still uncertain when his return will take place.
Cleveland’s 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley, missed the past game due to an ankle injury. De’Andre Hunter also missed the last game, but with a dislocated thumb.
Unfortunate as it is, the Pacers need to capitalize on the Cavs’ missing key players while they can. After all, it is the NBA playoffs, and taking it easy on an injured team will do Indy no favors.
There is no denying that opponents’ injuries have played a part in Indiana’s postseason success. This should not take away from the Pacers’ victories, as they have still had to show up and hit big shots. Look for Indy to overwhelm the Cavs’ replacements.
Many factors change from game to game, but the Pacers have found consistency in two areas to help them wear down good teams. The first of these is Indiana’s depth.
It is no surprise when eight Pacers score in double figures. On any night, role players, whether starting or coming off the bench, can score consistently. This lessens the load that Indy’s go-to players have to carry and complicates matchups for opponents.
Secondly, Indiana loves to share the ball. They boast the highest assists per game as a team in the postseason at 29.7. This is thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s proper point guard skills and the Pacers’ capability of scoring at any position.
Opposing teams, especially in the playoffs, have one or two star players they count on to do the majority of scoring and play-making. What makes the Pacers unique is that while they have all-stars like Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the rest of the roster is just as much of a threat.
With an aptitude to share the ball, this kind of talent spreads defenses thin and challenges teams with only five to six core players to keep up. Even with a slow start, Indy has proven never to let up.
Time and time again, they have kept games close when shooting poorly or have come back from being down 20+ points to hit a game-winning shot. The story should be no different for Pacers’ Game 3.
Cleveland is expected to come out strong, fighting not to go down 0-3. With key players injured, the Cavs will not have the depth necessary to match the Pacers. Indiana, sharing the ball and the scoring load, should take game 3 at home and look to sweep the Cavs.
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