Pacers vs Cavaliers prediction for Game 5
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Several Game 2 ingredients combined to make the Cleveland Cavaliers' loss to the Indiana Pacers a classic case of Cleveland sports heartbreak.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' season is hanging in the balance, as they are down 3-1 in their second-round NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers with Game 5
Darius Garland (toe sprain), De’Andre Hunter (dislocated thumb) and Evan Mobley (ankle injury) were out for the Cavs, and Donovan Mitchell tried to make up for it. The star guard finished with 48 points on 15-of-30 shooting. Max Strus added 23 points (a playoff career high) and Jarrett Allen had 22.
The Last Two Minute Report — the league’s assessment of officiated events that occur in the last two minutes of games played at or within three points in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime — showed three incorrect calls. Two of them went against Cleveland in the crushing 120-119 loss.
With their season on the line, the Cavs return to full strength for a must-win Game 4 showdown against the Pacers in hostile territory.
Down 0-2 to the Pacers, Game 3 is essentially a must-win game for Cleveland, who is bringing back players out due to injuries.
Indiana has been one of the better teams in the NBA at home during the second half of the season, putting even more pressure on the Cavaliers. Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson spoke about the frustrating Game 2 loss, revealing a big regret that led to the defeat.