Overview

• The Eastern Conference semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers will start on Sunday, May 4, at Rocket Arena, with the series scheduled to run through May 18 if all seven games are needed.
• Cleveland, the No. 1 seed, enters the series as strong favorites with betting odds set at –500, while analysts predict a competitive matchup likely to end in six games in the Cavaliers' favor.
• The Cavaliers dominated their first-round opponent in a sweep, while the Pacers advanced by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in five games, highlighting differing playoff momentum.
• Key player matchups include Cleveland's Jarrett Allen against Indiana's frontcourt and De’Andre Hunter's defensive role, particularly against Pacers' top scorers Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton.
• Despite Indiana's 3–1 regular-season edge over Cleveland, experts emphasize the irrelevance of those results due to roster changes and postseason dynamics.