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NBA Odds: Pacers Now Favored To Win Series Over Cavaliers

Originally posted on Sportscasting | By Anthony Cardenas | Last updated May 7, 2025 2:47 AM ET

The first few games of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs have not disappointed. One of the biggest stories of all is the 2-0 series lead that the Indiana Pacers have built over the top team in the Eastern Conference, and they are now favored to take down the Cleveland Cavaliers and advance to the conference finals.

NBA Odds: Pacers Favored In Series Over Cavaliers

It was thought that Game 1 might have been an aberration. The Pacers shocked the Cavs in winning the first game of the series and stealing home court advantage. But Cleveland entered Game 2 as a heavy favorite, with a spread of -6.5 even with key rotation pieces missing.

It looked as though the Cavs were going to even things up. They were up 119-112 with 48 second left in the 4th quarter on Tuesday night, and were on the verge of heading to Indiana tied 1-1. But a furious comeback by the Pacers was capped off by a dagger three pointer by Tyrese Haliburton, stunning the home crowd and securing a one point victory.

TYRESE HALIBURTON WINS GAME 2 FOR THE PACERS

WHAT. A. WILD. PLAY. pic.twitter.com/rFsjZmtrBz

— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025

The performance extends a hot streak for Haliburton, who was recently voted as the most overrated player in the NBA.

Now, with the Pacers heading home holding a 2-0 lead, they are now the somewhat overwhelming favorites to win the series outright. After entering the second round matchup as a heavy +450 underdogs, Indiana’s line is now set at -200, implied odds of 66%.

Game 3 is set to be played on Friday night and will tip off at 7:30ET. It is essentially a must-win for the Cavaliers, who open as 2.5-point favorites.

It is just one of the many instances of the NBA Playoffs being turned upside down. The New York Knicks knocked off the Boston Celtics in the first game of their series, and the Denver Nuggets pulled off a wild comeback to claim the first victory in their battle with the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder.

This article first appeared on Sportscasting and was syndicated with permission.

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