NBA Playoffs Predictions: Wagering on Cavaliers to Conquer the Eastern Conference?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a highly anticipated second-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA playoffs, set to tip off on May 4.
The Cavaliers secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with an impressive 64 regular-season wins. Their half-court efficiency, even without an opening series offensive onslaught against the Heat, remains high, placing them in the 97th percentile. The Cavaliers' defense, led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, ranked 8th in the league during the regular season.
On the other hand, Indiana's transition defense performed well in the first round against Milwaukee, but their regular-season performance was below average. Shooting splits may regress for the Pacers when facing a superior defense like the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers are considered a spread favorite in Game 1 of the series, and with good reason. Their half-court offense, even if Darius Garland is not fully healthy for the opener, is considered a threat. The team's net rating in the East was second only to the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Kenny Atkinson, the head coach of the Cavaliers, will no doubt be looking to capitalize on these advantages. The Cavaliers are priced at -480 to win the series against the Pacers, suggesting an implied probability of 36.4% for the Cavaliers to clinch the Eastern Conference.
A bet on the Cavaliers to win the Eastern Conference could yield a greater profit than a moneyline (ML) rollover approach. The Cavaliers' star-studded roster, which includes Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland, is expected to be bolstered by recent additions like Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr.
While the Pacers managed to eliminate the Cavaliers in the 2025 playoffs, analysts predict that Cleveland will be a stronger championship contender in the following season. The injury statuses of rival stars like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are expected to play a significant role in Cleveland’s prospects.
In terms of championship odds for the 2025-26 season, the Cavaliers are listed with favorable odds (+900) behind some other top contenders, while the Pacers also have positive odds (+1800) but are viewed less favorably than Cleveland.
As the playoffs heat up, the Cavaliers vs. Pacers series promises to be a thrilling contest. With Cleveland's impressive regular-season performance and the potential for roster improvements, fans are eager to see how this matchup unfolds. Regardless of the outcome, it's clear that the Cavaliers are poised to contend for the Eastern Conference title in the upcoming season.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Cavaliers vs. Pacers: Eastern Conference Playoffs Recap. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401373540
[2] OddsShark. (2025). 2025-26 NBA Championship Odds. [online] Available at: https://www.oddsshark.com/nba/future/championship-odds
[3] Bleacher Report. (2025). Cavaliers' Offseason Moves Set Them Up for a Championship Run. [online] Available at: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10044303-cavaliers-offseason-moves-set-them-up-for-a-championship-run
- During Game 1, the Cavaliers may have an advantage in the spread, given their impressive performance in the regular season.
- As the series favorite, a wager on the Cavaliers could potentially lead to higher profits compared to a moneyline bet.
- The Cavaliers' parlay odds for winning the Eastern Conference are attractive, considering their star-studded roster and strong defensive play.
- Despite Indiana's victory over Cleveland in the 2025 playoffs, analysts believe that the Cavaliers will be a stronger championship contender in the following season.
- For the 2025-26 NBA Championship, the Cavaliers are listed with favorable odds behind other top contenders, while the Pacers have less favorable odds.
- Should rival stars Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton experience injuries in the upcoming season, the Cavaliers may have a better shot at the Eastern Conference title.
