Underdog Cavaliers surprisingly tipped as winners in Game 3 versus Pacers, despite trailing 2-0 in the series.
In a stunning Game 2, the Indiana Pacers sent shockwaves through the NBA, snatching victory from the Cleveland Cavaliers with a jaw-dropping buzzer-beating three-pointer from Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers now lead the series 2-0, after the previously unbeaten Cavaliers were expected to sweep through to the conference finals.
The Cavaliers, once the undisputed kings of the Eastern Conference, are now grappling with a series of injury concerns that have significantly weakened their lineup. The Pacers, on the other hand, have been on an impressive winning streak ever since the latter half of the regular season. With their stunning performance so far, the sportsbooks are predicting a thrilling Game 3.
FanDuel puts the Cavs as narrow 2-point underdogs on the spread, while offering them a -130 moneyline on the road. The survival of their season is at stake. It's a monumental task for any team to bounce back from a 3-0 disadvantage, and the Cavs will need to win Game 3 in hostile territory to keep their hopes alive.
The Pacers, buoyed by their current form, are now heavy favorites to win the series with odds of -198. The Cavaliers have been pushed to the underdog position at +166, a significant shift from their initial odds as overwhelming favorites. If you backed the Pacers to win the series before it began, you're sitting pretty right now.
Meanwhile, the health of key Cavaliers players remains uncertain. Darius Garland, who missed Game 2 with a toe injury, is yet to be declared fit for Game 3. His absence in Game 2 was not taken well by Cavs fans, and there's a growing concern about his potential absence in the upcoming match. The status of Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter is also up in the air at present.
The Pacers are unfazed by Cleveland's fading fortunes. They're keen to maintain their free-flowing offense and consistent scoring, having boasted a stellar 29-11 home record during the regular season, compared to the Cavaliers' impressive 30-11 away record.
Game 3 promises to be an edge-of-your-seat affair. Stay tuned for more updates on the status of Garland and the rest of the injured Cavaliers. The future of this riveting series hangs in the balance.
- The Cavaliers, once renowned for their dominance in the Eastern Conference, are currently facing a challenging odds of 2-point underdogs in the spread, as they prepare for Game 3 against the Pacers.
- FanDuel's moneyline for the Cavaliers on the road stands at -130, a testament to the critical situation they find themselves in, trying to avoid a 3-0 deficit.
- On the other hand, the Pacers, known for their consistent performance, are favored to win the series with odds of -198, a significant shift from their initial odds as underdogs.
- The basketball world eagerly awaits the return of Darius Garland, who missed Game 2 due to a toe injury, as his potential absence in Game 3 is causing concern for Cavs fans.
- The Pacers, now in the driver's seat, aim to continue their free-flowing offense and consistent scoring, especially in the second half of games, which has contributed to their stellar 29-11 home record during the regular season.
