With playoff matchups locked in, a week of rest is on the cards for both the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers — so this afternoon’s clash is mostly about the reserves.
While Cleveland is 34-6 at home this year, Donovan Mitchell is one of four starters sitting out here for the hosts, and my Pacers vs. Cavaliers predictions expect Indiana to add to its strong finish to the season.
Read on for my NBA picks and betting tips for this April 13 regular-season finale.
Pacers vs Cavaliers prediction
My best bet: Pacers -6 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
We’ve got a predictably long injury report to digest today, with neither team willing to take too many chances on the eve of the playoffs. But it sounds as if the Indiana Pacers aren’t shutting down quite as many key cogs as the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that should put the visitors — confirmed as the No. 4 seed — in position for their 50th win of the season.
Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam will rest, but Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith could see some minutes, surrounded by feisty second-unit players who’ve been sparkplugs all year.
The Indiana backups have shown they won’t back down from anyone. They proved that again last month by taking down the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime without their first-choice starting five, and I’m laying this small spread with Rick Carlisle’s squad this afternoon.
The Cavs have essentially had the No. 1 seed in the East wrapped up for weeks, allowing Kenny Atkinson to shuffle the deck regularly, but the hosts will be digging deep into their rotation this afternoon, with as many as six rotation players potentially watching in street clothes.
The Pacers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 contests, and they’ve put together a 39-17 run over the past 56 games. They’ve also won two of the last three meetings at Rocket Arena.
The likes of Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker should relish expanded roles here, and I don’t see a short-handed Cleveland offense keeping up, even with Dean Wade, Craig Porter Jr. and Sam Merrill expected to feature.
Pacers vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Pacers -6
Over 226.5
Over 112 1H
Both teams have hammered the Over this season — it’s 50-31 for Cleveland and 42-36-3 for Indiana — and I see that trend continuing today despite all the superstar absences.
The Pacers have scored 114+ points in seven of their last 10 games and should have more joy in the paint without the lurking threat of Evan Mobley. Meanwhile, the Cavs — who lead the NBA with 122 PPG — rank fourth in 3-point attempts per game, which should help push the total towards the Over.
I’ll also pump up the SGP odds with the Over on this 112 1H total. The offenses should be loose with the pressure off, and that’s a formula for a quick start at both ends of the floor. Look for a fast-paced, end-to-end battle.
The second half may bring limited minutes for the better scorers, with an eye on the postseason tests ahead, so I’m wagering on a big chunk of the buckets coming before the half-time buzzer.
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Pacers vs Cavaliers odds
Pacers vs Cavaliers live odds
Pacers vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: Indiana -4.5 | Cleveland +4.5
- Moneyline: Indiana -180 | Cleveland +157
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pacers vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 outings, but there are very few meaningful trends for the hosts given how depleted today’s lineup will be.
- Though Indiana is 19-20 on the road this year, the visitors have won three of their last four on their travels.
- The Pacers have hit the 4Q moneyline in 34 of their past 46 contests.
- The Over is 4-3 in the teams’ last seven meetings, including a 127-117 Cleveland victory in January.
Pacers vs Cavaliers trend
The Over is 6-3-1 in the Pacers’ last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Pacers vs Cavaliers
| Location | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Sunday, 4-13-2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN |
Pacers vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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