The Pacers are one win away from returning to the Eastern Conference Finals at the expense of the Cavaliers, one of the three NBA teams that have won at least 60 regular season games this season. After splitting Games 3 and 4 at home, Indiana returns to Cleveland for Game 5, looking to close out their second-round series tomorrow. The NBA 2025 odds expect the hosts to put up a final stand, but they might have to do it without one of their stars.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets-Thunder series is knotted at two games each, and Game 5 could be the turning point. These two teams also split their last two games in Mile High, and they’ll return to Oklahoma City.
The NBA 2025 highlights keep on coming for basketball fans around the globe. So, tune in, as SBOTOP has you covered with today’s preview of tomorrow’s games.
Indiana Pacers @ Cleveland Cavaliers
After dropping the first two games at home, the Cavaliers humbled the Pacers in Game 3, as Darius Garland and Evan Mobley returned to the lineup. However, the Pacers bounced back in Game 4, as the Cavaliers suffered a huge injury blow. Donovan Mitchell aggravated a left ankle injury last Sunday and is questionable for tomorrow’s game.
Mitchell missed the second half of Game 4. After coming out on the court to warm up during halftime, the six-time NBA All-Star stopped midway through a shot attempt after experiencing discomfort in his left ankle. He finished with 12 points on 3-for-11 shooting from the field. Ty Jerome, Isaac Okoro, and De’Andre Hunter will likely receive more playing time if Mitchell doesn’t make it in Game 5.
Meanwhile, it was another balanced effort for the Pacers, as seven players scored double-digit points. Pascal Siakam led with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 9-for-10 shooting from the field. Myles Turner, Obi Toppin, Ben Sheppard, TJ McConnell, Aaron Nesmith, and Tyrese Haliburton added 20, 20, 14, 13, 12, and 11 points.
“We’re going to keep approaching this like we have everything to prove,” Pacers head coach Carlisle said. “We know people don’t believe in us … the things about the scores and all that, it’s meaningless. This game is now history. So, we got to stay in the present moment as much as we can try to maintain an edge.”
Believe it or not, Game 5 is incredibly tough to call since both teams can explode on any night. With that said, we’re guaranteed to see another high-scoring game at the Rocket Arena.
Betting tip – Over 229.00 @ 1.95
Denver Nuggets @ Oklahoma City Thunder
After an exhausting Game 3 overtime loss last Friday, the Thunder bounced back in Game 4 with a 92-87 victory last Sunday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was better in Game 4 with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 8-for-19 shooting from the field and 9-for-12 from the free throw line. He received enough support from his teammates, as Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Jalen Williams added 11, 11, 10, and 10 points.
Oklahoma City deserve plaudits for their solid defensive performance last time out. The Thunder held the Nuggets to only eight points in the first period. Nikola Jokic may have had 22 points and 13 rebounds, but the three-time league MVP only shot 7-for-22 from the field.
“It’s a little bit of everything. They’re playing really good defense on me. They’re really into my body, physical. I think I missed two or three open looks night, so it’s a little bit of everything. They’re shrinking the floor on me. They’re having a guy behind the defender, so it’s a bit of everything. I need to do a better job, of course, but it’s part of the game,” Jokic said after Game 4.
Isaiah Hartenstein is doing a superb job of defending Jokic. In Game 4, Jokic went 3-for-10 when Hartenstein was the primary defender.
Jamal Murray added 17 points, four rebounds, and five assists, but also shot 5-for-15 from the field. Aaron Gordon was Denver’s brightest spot with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists on 5-for-10 shooting. Christian Braun also recorded 17 points. They all need to do much better, especially if Jokic has another off night.
The Nuggets are battle-tested compared to the Thunder, as they outlasted the Clippers in seven games during the first round. However, the Thunder are a different animal, and they’re expected to take a 3-2 series lead tomorrow.
Betting tip – Oklahoma City Thunder Asian Handicap -10.00 @ 1.89
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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