CLEVELAND, Ohio — With their backs still brushing the wall, the Cavs have a golden opportunity to change the tone of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
After staving off disaster with a Game 3 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, the Cavs trail the Indiana Pacers 2-1 heading into a crucial Game 4 on Sunday night.
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the atmosphere is sure to be raucous — and where the Cavs must prove they can handle more than just the noise.
In their previous matchup, Cleveland’s stars returned.
Darius Garland fought through his injured toe. De’Andre Hunter (thumb) brought two-way versatility to the wing. And Evan Mobley, playing through an ankle tweak, reminded everyone why he’s the defensive anchor of the franchise.
With the injury report finally clear, the Cavs come into Game 4 at full strength for the second time since April 23.
Still, momentum is fragile in the playoffs. One strong performance doesn’t erase the early hole Cleveland dug.
A win would turn this series into a best-of-three with two games in Cleveland. A loss? It would mean the Cavs need three straight wins — including two on the road — to keep their season alive.
For the Pacers, this game is about applying pressure and protecting their home floor.
For the Cavaliers, it’s about survival and swinging the series back in their hands.
Sunday night is the moment where everything can shift — if Cleveland’s ready to take it.
How to watch the Cavs: See how to watch the Cavs games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule.
Here‘s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
Series: Game 4.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
When: 8 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavs minus-5.5; O/U 230.5
TV: TNT/Max/truTv
Injury Report
PACERS:
Out:
Isaiah Jackson (Achilles).
