INDIANAPOLIS — The Cavaliers are aiming to return to Cleveland tied with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In a virtual must-win scenario, the Cavs prevailed 126-104 in Game 3, narrowing their deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven, second-round series with the Pacers. Now the Cavs seek to capitalize on the momentum in Game 4 on Sunday, May 11.
Tipoff between the top-seeded Cavs and fourth-seeded Pacers is set for 8 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Check back here for updates throughout the game.
Below is some pregame information
Cavs injury report today
The Cavs did not list All-Star forward Evan Mobley (sprained left ankle), All-Star point guard Darius Garland (sprained left big toe) and wing De’Andre Hunter (sprained right shooting thumb) on their injury report on the eve of Game 4. It’s the organization’s way of indicating no significant setbacks occurred in Game 3, when all three players returned from injury. In other words, they are expected to play again.
Pacers injury report today
The Pacers ruled out forward Isaiah Jackson (right Achilles tendon tear).
How to watch Cavs game tonight: TV channel, streaming, radio info for Game 4 vs. Pacers
Game 4 can be watched nationally on TNT. It can be heard on the radio via WMMS (100.7-FM) and WTAM (1100).
Pacers vs. Cavs last game
With All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell leading the way, the Cavs took control in the fourth quarter after the Pacers had cut their deficit to 11 points with 8:26 left to play. Mitchell scored 14 of his game-high 43 points in the fourth quarter, and the Cavs prevailed 126-104 in Game 3.
The Cavs also received excellent play from small forward Max Strus, who compiled 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while helping the Cleveland defense limit Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton to four points, a career playoff low.
The Cavs received a major boost with All-Star forward Evan Mobley (sprained left ankle), All-Star point guard Darius Garland (sprained left big toe) and wing De’Andre Hunter (sprained right shooting thumb) returning from injury. Mobley had 18 points and 13 rebounds, Garland scored 10 points and Hunter added eight points and five rebounds.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson deployed a 3-2 zone defense, a change from the team’s typical 2-3 zone, against the Pacers in the second quarter, when Cleveland outscored Indiana 34-13.
What is the playoff history between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers?
In the playoffs, the Cavs are 10-8 against the Pacers. The record includes Cleveland’s losses in Game 1 and Game 2 and its win in Game 3 this year.
Here is a breakdown of the previous three series the two teams have shared:
- 2018: LeBron James and the Cavs got past the Pacers in the first round, but it took seven games. The Cavs ultimately were swept 4-0 by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
- 2017: Coming off Cleveland’s 2016 NBA title and led by James, the Cavs swept the Pacers 4-0 in the first round. The Cavs eventually lost 4-1 to the Warriors in the NBA Finals.
- 1998: The Cavs fell 3-1 to the Pacers in Round 1. The Pacers were eventually eliminated by the Chicago Bulls in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Michael Jordan and the Bulls then beat the Utah Jazz 4-2 in the NBA Finals.
Cavs playoff schedule: Eastern Conference semifinals vs. Pacers
- Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavs 112 | Recap | Column | Story
- Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavs 119 | Recap | Column | Story
- Game 3: Cavs 126, Pacers 104 | Recap | Column | Story
- Game 4: Cavs at Pacers — 8 p.m. Sunday, May 11, TNT
- Game 5: Pacers at Cavs — 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, TNT
- Game 6: Cavs at Pacers — time TBD, Thursday, May 15 (if necessary), ESPN
- Game 7: Pacers at Cavs — time TBD, Sunday, May 18 (if necessary), TV TBD
NBA playoff bracket: Eastern Conference first round
NBA playoff bracket: Eastern Conference second round
- No. 1 seed Cavaliers vs. No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers (Cleveland trails series 2-1)
- No. 2 seed Boston Celtics vs. No. 3 seed New York Knicks (New York lead series 2-1)
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
