The “Factory of Sadness” is a moniker usually reserved for Cleveland’s football team. But it seems that factory is cranking out a basketball brand of sorrow after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ sad start to Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs.
The No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference limps into Gainbridge Fieldhouse down 0-2 to the Indiana Pacers and looking at a long list of ailments to key players.
All-star guard Darius Garland (toe) has yet to play in the series, standout forward Evan Mobley (ankle) sat Game 2, super-sub De'Andre Hunter (thumb) is also hurt, and now top scorer Donovan Mitchell is battling through a calf strain.
As the rotation thins, Cleveland’s dependency on big man Jarrett Allen grows for Game 3. He’s the focus of my best NBA picks and Cavaliers vs. Pacers predictions for Friday, May 9.
Who will win Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 3?
Oddsmakers are still giving Cleveland the benefit of the doubt, setting the Cavaliers as short road favorites. However, the Pacers have momentum and home court on their side while the Cavs are really banged up at the worst possible time. Indiana puts a 3-0 strange hold on Cleveland in Game 3.
Cavaliers vs Pacers prediction
My best bet: Jarrett Allen SGP 10+ points/10+ rebounds (-145 at bet365)
Jarrett Allen did all he could to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers competitive in Game 2, scoring 22 points and snatching 12 rebounds over 38 minutes of action. He also blocked three shots and dished out three assists while going to the foul line eight times – making all eight free throws.
Even if Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter return for Game 3, the 7-footer has to anchor the interior and clean the glass for the Cavs. Allen has an advantage over a smaller Indiana Pacers frontcourt and they are just fine trading out size for speed in this series.
Game 3 projections call for at least 13 points from Allen, who scored 12 points in the series opener. He shot 6 for 7 in Game 1 but didn’t get the touches he should have, with Cleveland guards Ty Jerome and Donovan Mitchell combining for 50 shots. Allen was a little more involved in Game 2, going 7 for 9 and should continue to be a focal points for the Cavs, if they know what's good for them.
As for his rebounding forecasts for Game 3, Allen is pegged between 9.4 and 11 boards. He’s grabbed 10 or more rebounds in four of his six postseason games and advanced metrics show Allen in position for 16.2 rebounding chance per game in the playoffs. That soared to 25.0 chances in Game 2 with Cleveland’s frontcourt running thin.
You could go and bet the “Yes” double double prop for Allen which is priced at -155, giving you the options of 10-plus points, rebounds, assists, blocks, or steals. But let’s be real: An Allen double double is coming via buckets and boards and a 10+ points/10+ rebounds same game parlay comes in a dime cheaper. Every penny counts in the playoffs.
Cavaliers vs Pacers same-game parlay
Jarrett Allen Over 11.5 rebounds
Jarrett Allen Over 13.5 points
Jarrett Allen Over 0.5 blocks
As mentioned above, projections are calling for 11 rebounds from Allen and should the Cavs frontcourt be missing key bodies, it will be up to the 7-footer to clean the glass.
Allen is pegged for 13.5 points by Game 3 projections. He upped his scoring in Game 2 and did damage at the foul line.
The Pacers attacking style walked into three blocks from Allen in Game 2 and he’s record at least one swat in three of Cleveland’s six postseason games so far.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Cavaliers vs Pacers odds
Cavaliers vs Pacers live odds
Cavaliers vs Pacers opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland -2.5 (-110) | Indiana +2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cleveland -150 | Indiana +125
- Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Cavaliers vs Pacers spread and Over/Under analysis
- With the Pacers stealing both games in Cleveland, bookies opened the Cavaliers as 1-point road favorites and early money has shown up on the visitor, pushing this spread to Cavs -2.5. That initial opinion could be an indicator that Cleveland could return all or some of those missing pieces on Friday.
- The Over/Under total hit the board at 228.5 and is now up to 229.5 points, again a sign that Cleveland could get standouts back for this critical Game 3.
- According to Covers Consensus, 57% of picks are siding with the Cavaliers as short road chalk while 60% of total picks are taking the Over.
Cavaliers vs Pacers trend
As of May 8, home teams are just 26-24 SU and 22-27-1 ATS (45%) so far in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pacers.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pacers
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date | Friday, 5-9-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, truTV, max |
Cavaliers vs Pacers latest injuries
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