The Cleveland Cavaliers will face off against the Indiana Pacers on Friday as part of the 2025 NBA Cup. Both teams belong to East Group A; the Cavaliers currently have a 1-1 record, while the Pacers stand at 0-1 in the tournament. Cleveland holds an overall record of 10-6, whereas Indiana has struggled at 2-13 due to several injuries. Key players for the Cavaliers like Darius Garland (toe) and Jarrett Allen (finger) are questionable for the game. The Pacers are missing important players including Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Aaron Nesmith (knee), and Obi Toppin (foot). This matchup is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, a series that Indiana won 4-1.
The game is set to tip off at 7pm ET in Cleveland. Latest betting odds favor Cleveland as a 13.5-point road favorite, with the total points over-under set at 239.5. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has an impressive track record of accurate NBA predictions, has simulated this game 10,000 times. The model suggests the total points will likely be under 239.5, with a predicted score total of 233 points, and one side of the spread hitting almost 70% of the time. For those interested, the game will stream on Fubo, with new users eligible for bonuses through the DraftKings promo code.
Fan Take: This rematch between the Cavaliers and Pacers is exciting for basketball fans as it reignites a recent playoff rivalry and could signal how both teams are shaping up in the new season. The injury challenges and betting predictions add an extra layer of intrigue, highlighting the unpredictability and competitive spirit that make the NBA thrilling to watch.
