Introduction
The Pacers vs Cavaliers matchups have become some of the most compelling battles in the Eastern Conference. When the Indiana Pacers face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, you’re guaranteed high-intensity basketball, star power, and meaningful stakes. In this article, we’ll explore the history of their rivalry, shine a spotlight on key figures like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, review recent games, and explain where to watch Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers action.
The Rivalry: Pacers vs Cavaliers
The Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers have developed a heated rivalry over the years, especially in the playoffs. In the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Pacers eliminated the Cavs in a 4–1 series triumph.
Indiana’s performance in that series demonstrated their growth as a team. They won Game 5 decisively, 114–105, to seal the series.
Key Players to Watch: Darius Garland & Donovan Mitchell
A big part of the Cavs’ identity revolves around Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
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Darius Garland is the playmaking engine for Cleveland. His vision, passing, and scoring make him central to the Cavaliers’ offense.
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Donovan Mitchell, on the other hand, is their go-to scorer in big moments. During the 2025 playoffs, even when Cleveland lost the series, Mitchell put up huge numbers.
Despite strong efforts from both, Garland battled through a toe injury in that series. Their synergy has been key for the Cavaliers — when both are on, Cleveland is very dangerous.
How the Pacers Pulled Through
The Indiana Pacers have been no underdog in this rivalry. In their 2025 playoff run:
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Tyrese Haliburton stepped up massively, including nailing a game-winning three-pointer in Game 2 to give the Pacers a 2–0 lead.
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In Game 5, they closed out Cleveland to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Others like Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner also played pivotal roles in Indiana’s success.
Their cohesiveness and clutch performances proved decisive against a star-studded Cavs roster.
Where to Watch: Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers
If you’re wondering where to watch Pacers vs Cavaliers, here’s a breakdown:
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FanDuel Sports Network is one of the main broadcasters for the Indiana Pacers.
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Nationally, you can catch their games on platforms like ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and NBC.
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For out-of-market fans, NBA League Pass is also a viable option to stream a lot of Pacers and Cavs games.
Recent Matchups & Cavs Score Trends
Recent Cavs vs Pacers games have been tightly contested:
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One notable recent game had the Pacers winning 114–112, securing home-court positioning for the playoffs.
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In their playoff history, Indiana has often found ways to disrupt Cleveland’s game plan, especially by limiting three-point efficiency and forcing inconsistencies.
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For the Cavs, scoring runs from Mitchell and Garland have been pivotal, but turnovers and cold stretches have sometimes undermined their efforts.
Why This Rivalry Matters
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The Pacers–Cavaliers matchups are more than just games — they represent a clash between youthful energy (Pacers) and established star power (Cavs).
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These battles often come in the postseason, which raises the stakes significantly.
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From a fan’s perspective, the tension, the superstars, and the tactical chess match make Pacers vs Cavaliers one of the must-watch pairings in the NBA.
Conclusion
In sum, when you hear “Pacers vs Cavaliers” (or cavs vs pacers, pacers vs cleveland cavaliers), think high drama, elite talent, and big moments. The Indiana Pacers have proven they can go toe-to-toe with Cleveland, even eliminating the Cavs in a recent playoff series. With Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell leading the charge for Cleveland, and pieces like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner powering Indiana, every game is loaded with intrigue. If you’re looking to catch the next Cavs game tonight or watch Pacers – Cavaliers live, platforms like Prime Video, ESPN, and NBA League Pass have you covered.
