Cavs vs Pacers Prediction, Props, and Best Bets NBA Game 3
John Canady
Host · Writer
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set for a Friday showdown with the Indiana Pacers for Game 3. Cleveland enters this matchup with their backs against the wall after a go-ahead three from Tyrese Haliburton helped the Pacers take a 2-0 lead in this Eastern Conference Semifinals series. The Cavs now head into Indiana hoping to get on the board, but they’ll have to get past a gritty Rick Carlisle-led team, which has a sweep on their mind.
Cavaliers vs Pacers
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Where to Watch: ESPN
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Spread: Cavaliers -3.5 | Total: 228.5
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -168 | Pacers +142
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Cavaliers vs Pacers Best Bet: Cavaliers -3.5
Cleveland enters this matchup as the betting favorite despite being on the road, and it’s easy to see why. The Cavs have no choice but to win in this matchup, and they’re well aware of that. Fortunately for them, they have Donovan Mitchell to lead them into this pivotal game, and he’s proven throughout his entire career that he can take over a game and will his team to a win. Considering Cleveland was a late meltdown away from tying the series on Tuesday while being without three key players, I have confidence they can get on the board tonight, especially if they can get some reinforcements back in the lineup. Not to mention, Cleveland’s 30-11 away record outweighs the Pacers’ 29-11 home record.
Cavaliers vs Pacers Best Total Bet: Over 228.5
The Cavaliers have one of the highest-powered offenses in the entire NBA, and their 121.9 points per game prove that. Meanwhile, the Pacers’ fast-paced offense is no slouch either, averaging 117.4 points per matchup. With each of the first two matchups surpassing the 228.5-point set total, it’s clear this will be an offensive series. A final score of 124-118 seems realistic for Friday’s matchup.
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Cavaliers Best Player Bet: Donovan Mitchell to Score 35+ Points +215
Donovan Mitchell has elevated his game to another level in this series, primarily because his team needs him to. The Louisville product could always score at will, and he’s shown that through the first two games. In Tuesday’s loss, Mitchell proved to be a tall task for the Pacers’ defense to stop, exploding for 48 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Assuming the guard puts the team on his back tonight again, I can see him finishing with 35+ points to will his team to a win.
Pacers Best Player Bet: Tyrese Haliburton OVER 19.5 Points +104
Tyrese Haliburton is one of the most underrated talents in the league, despite being elected as the most overrated player in The Athletic’s latest anonymous player poll. The Pacers’ guard is a willing passer, averaging 9.2 assists per game on the season and 10.7 assists per game in the postseason. Despite that, he can still give his team a scoring boost when needed. In Game 1, Haliburton finished with 22 points and in Game 2 he fell one point short, ending the night with 19 points. Back in front of the home fans, I have faith the playmaker can put together another 20-point night.
