109-129
FINALCleveland
Cavaliers
69-26|L10: 5-5
Indiana
Pacers
67-42|L10: 5-5
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CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
Game 5 was brutal for Strus, who missed all six of his three-point attempts and could not make a shot from the field overall. While he did grab seven rebounds, three more than fellow starter Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers needed more offensive production from Strus. Due to offseason ankle surgery, Strus did not make his first appearance until just before Christmas, which put him in a difficult spot regarding fantasy value. While many managers did not expect much from Strus beyond offering late-round value, he finished outside the top-175 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Look for him again to be a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues.
CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
After scoring 12 points or more in the first three games of this series, Allen was a shell of himself in Games 4 and 5. While more effective as a scorer in Game 5, the Cavaliers’ center’s impact was once again muted as the East’s top seed watched its season end. That’s an unfortunate conclusion for Allen, who matched his Yahoo! ADP (53) in nine-cat formats during the regular season, according to Basketball Monster. While he was a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats, Allen’s value taking a hit due to Evan Mobley’s emergence was unsurprising. He may not come off the board within the first 50 picks in most drafts next fall, but Allen should remain a dependable option for fantasy managers needing a center.
CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Recording his third double-double in four games, Mobley had his best performance of the series in Game 5. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t good enough to force a Game 6, as Cleveland combined to shoot 9-of-35 from beyond the arc. A sprained ankle sidelined Mobley for Game 2, and the blown lead in that contest set the tone for the Cavaliers. Regarding fantasy basketball, the Cavaliers forward exceeded his Yahoo! ADP (38) in eight- and nine-cat formats, providing top-25 value in the latter. Mobley’s ADP should be considerably higher next fall as he continues establishing himself as one of the NBA’s top frontcourt players.
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
On a night when the Cavaliers needed Garland to be his best, the point guard could not rise to the challenge. Not only did he miss all six of his three-point attempts, but Garland was also responsible for five turnovers. His toe injury suffered during the first round did Garland no favors, but this was a disappointing way for him to end the 2024-25 season. While having a Yahoo! ADP outside the top-50, the Cavaliers’ point guard finished within that threshold in eight- and nine-cat formats. Playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley may limit his ceiling, but Garland’s fantasy floor is relatively safe.
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell scored at least 33 points in four of the series’ five games, but efficiency was an issue in Tuesday’s series finale. He shot just 32 percent from the field, boosting his point total with frequent trips to the foul line. Sometimes, Mitchell appeared to be impacted by his injured left ankle, but many players are dealing with an injury at this stage in the season. While he did not live up to his Yahoo! ADP of 17, the Cavaliers’ star offered third-round value in nine-cat formats during the regular season. Mitchell won’t be worth selecting with a first-round pick in 12-team drafts next fall, but he should not drop out of the second round.
IND • Guard-Forward • #23
7 months ago
Nesmith didn’t have the best night as a three-point shooter, making one of his seven attempts. However, he finished the series 13-of-29 from deep and recorded his first double-double in Tuesday’s clincher. While he had a limited defensive impact on Donovan Mitchell (he shot well over 50 percent when Nesmith was his primary defender), the Pacers’ wing has been a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. Next up for Indiana is New York or Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.
IND • Guard-Forward • #2
7 months ago
Nembhard was one of Indiana’s unsung heroes in this round, thanks mainly to his solid play on both ends of the floor. In addition to being a factor defensively, Nembhard reached double figures in four of the five games. While he may not be one of the stars, Nembhard’s value is not overlooked within the Pacers’ locker room. Whether it’s New York or Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers will need similar performances from Nembhard to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
IND • Forward • #43
7 months ago
While Siakam shot just 40 percent from the field, his fingerprints were all over Indiana’s Game 5 victory. The complete stat line was his first of the series, with the veteran forward matching his series-high in points. Siakam also recorded series-high numbers in rebounds, assists and blocked shots in helping the Pacers reach the Eastern Conference Finals for a second straight year. Indiana will face New York or Boston in the next round, and they’ll start the series on the road regardless of which team advances.
IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
Despite getting into early foul trouble, Haliburton was outstanding in helping the Pacers seal a second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Whistled for three first-quarter fouls, Haliburton only attempted one shot in the period. He made up for that by shooting 5-of-5 from three in the second quarter, pulling Indiana to within four at the half. Haliburton had plenty of help in the second half, with Indiana completing its rally to end the series. While the Pacers don’t know their opponent in the next round, they know they’ll begin on the road in either New York or Boston.
CLE • Guard • #5
7 months ago
A late addition to Cleveland’s injury report, Merrill will not be available for a game the Cavaliers need to keep their season alive. His absence leaves the East’s top seed down a rotation player, but they will have Donovan Mitchell (ankle) in the starting lineup.
Source: Serena Winters
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell did not play in the second half of Sunday’s Game 4 blowout loss after aggravating a left ankle injury. The good news is that he’ll be available for Tuesday’s game, and the Cavaliers will need all hands on deck as they trail three games to one. Cleveland will go with its regular starting lineup, with Darius Garland, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen joining Mitchell. According to TNT, an MRI on Monday revealed a sprain and showed that Mitchell did not suffer any additional damage.
Source: NBA Lineups
CLE • Guard • #5
7 months ago
Absent from the Cavaliers’ initial injury report for Game 5, Merrill has been added due to a strained neck. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) a game-time decision, Cleveland could be down two rotation players with their season on the line. They would require more production from Darius Garland, Max Strus and Ty Jerome to keep their season alive.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell didn’t return after halftime of Sunday’s blowout loss, and Ty Jerome started in his place for the second half. The Cavs were getting stomped 80-39, but apparently the injury is more serious than initially thought, and his absence in the second half was more than precautionary. If he’s unable to go, Jerome would likely get the starting nod as Cleveland faces elimination at home down 3-1 in the series.
Source: Pat McAfee Show
IND • Forward • #1
7 months ago
Toppin has been a solid reserve for Indiana all season, but he hadn’t been as productive in the postseason until Game 4. This was the second-highest scoring playoff game of Toppin’s career, narrowly finishing behind his 21-point game against the Bucks last season. Toppin will continue to play a large role off the bench, but the odds of him reaching 20 points again are slim.
IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
For the fourth time in Indiana’s last six games, Turner scored 20 points. This time, it only took him 22 minutes. Turner has been a big part of the offense recently, and the strategy is working; they are 4-0 when he scores at least 20 points during this postseason, and they’re 17-2 over the course of the entire season when he reaches 20 points. Turner will continue to feature heavily in the offense in Game 5 as the Pacers look to close out this series.
IND • Forward • #43
7 months ago
What a night it was for Siakam, who only missed one shot in the blowout win. He only played 21 minutes, but that was more than enough for Indiana to take complete control of this game. His dominant night has them just one win away from returning to the conference finals for a second straight season. Siakam hadn’t been a significant part of the offense in this series, but the strategy to get him going paid off on Sunday. He’ll look to stay hot in Game 5 on Tuesday with a chance to close out the series.
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
It didn’t have much of an impact on the final score, but Garland was much better in the second half. He had 12 points in the third quarter alone before sitting out the entire fourth quarter. At that point, the score was simply too lopsided for Garland to continue. Still, it was good to see him have a productive night after he struggled in Game 3 and missed Games 1 and 2. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) set to have an MRI on Monday, a lot of responsibility may fall on Garland’s shoulders to keep Cleveland’s season alive in Game 5 on Tuesday.
CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
Coming off two straight double-doubles, Allen was rendered ineffective in Sunday’s blowout loss. He was on the floor for 20 minutes, but he set a new season-low for rebounds and missed his only shot attempt. It was a game to forget for both Allen and the Cavaliers, and they’ll only have one day off before Game 5 on Tuesday. They’ll look to get back on track and keep their season alive with the series shifting back to Cleveland.
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell exited from Game 4 at halftime, and it wasn’t clear at the time if the 41-point deficit was a factor. However, Mitchell will undergo more testing on Monday, which will give a better indication of his status ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday. With Cleveland facing a 3-1 deficit, it’s difficult to imagine Mitchell not playing through it if it’s only a minor injury. Ty Jerome started the second half in place of Mitchell and would likely start Game 5 if the injury is significant.
Source: Scott Agness
CLE • Forward-Guard • #35
7 months ago
Okoro hasn’t seen the floor much during the playoffs, but the former top-five pick took on extra minutes in this game due to the lopsided score. He took advantage of the opportunity and helped turn a 41-point halftime deficit into only a 20-point loss. Okoro likely won’t play as much in Game 5 as Cleveland battles to keep its season alive, though he was one of the few bright spots in an ugly loss on Sunday.
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
While the 41-point halftime deficit may have been a factor in this decision, it certainly isn’t a good sign. Mitchell dealt with a left ankle injury at the end of the regular season and is now dealing with an injury to the same ankle. The extent isn’t clear, but Cleveland won’t be able to win this series without their superstar. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter have also been limited by injuries in this series. Ty Jerome started the second half in place of Mitchell, who was the team’s leading scorer at halftime with 12 points.
Source: Serena Winters
IND • Guard-Forward • #00
7 months ago
Mathurin has been getting into it with De’Andre Hunter all series, and more of the same resulted in an early departure for Mathurin, who scored 23 points in Game 3. Mathurin gave Hunter a shot to the chest, and Hunter retaliated by pushing Mathurin on the ground. Myles Turner gave Hunter a shoulder to defend Mathurin, and both Hunter and Turner were assessed technicals. However, Mathurin, who stood over Hunter after he dislocated his thumb in Game 1, was assessed a Flagrant 2. Ben Sheppard will likely take on extra minutes after Mathurin’s night lasted only one minute.
Source: Scott Agness
IND • Guard-Forward • #00
7 months ago
On Friday, Mathurin was Indiana’s most effective scorer, shooting over 50 percent from the field and reaching double figures for the third straight game. The negative for those viewing his performance through a fantasy lens is that Mathurin did not provide much beyond points, three-pointers and percentages. That was an issue for him in previous seasons, but Mathurin was slightly better during this past regular season. His production will be key in this series regardless of the fantasy implications. Game 4 is on Sunday, with the Pacers holding a 2-1 lead.
IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
After playing well in the Pacers’ two wins in Cleveland, there’s no sugarcoating that Haliburton was ineffective on Friday. Pestered by Max Strus for most of Game 3, the Pacers’ point guard shot 25 percent from the field and committed three turnovers. While Indiana won’t be too concerned about Haliburton, given the overall body of work, he’ll need to be much better in Sunday’s Game 4, especially with the Cavaliers back to full strength.
IND • Forward • #43
7 months ago
After shooting 1-of-6 from the field in the first half, Siakam was more productive in the second half of Game 3. However, it was a case of “too little, too late,” as the Cavaliers built a big lead and did not allow it to slip away, as they did in Game 2. Siakam has been relatively quiet through the first three games of this series, with Friday’s point total being his best. With Cleveland returning to full strength on Friday, more production will be needed from “Spicy P” moving forward. Game 4 is on Sunday.
IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
While Turner had a decent night in the points and blocked shot categories, the rebounding left something to be desired. Aaron Nesmith (7/7/1 with one three-pointer) and T.J. McConnell (12/6/7) both recorded more rebounds than the Pacers’ starting center, and Indiana gave up 18 offensive boards on the night. That doesn’t all fall on Turner’s shoulders, but Indiana needs him to be more impactful on the glass, especially with Evan Mobley returning in the Cavaliers’ lineup. He’ll look to rebound when the Pacers host Game 4 on Sunday.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
While Donovan Mitchell’s masterclass and the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were the biggest storylines of Game 3, Strus’ performance should not be overlooked. After tallying 23 points in Game 2, the sharpshooter shot 4-of-8 from three and recorded his second straight 20-point stat line. Also, Strus was the primary defender on Tyrese Haliburton for most of the night, with the Pacers’ point guard only scoring four points. Cleveland will hope for a similar performance from Strus as they look to even the series at two games apiece on Sunday.
CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
Allen has double-doubles in his last two outings, grabbing 12 rebounds in Games 2 and 3. With frontcourt sidekick Evan Mobley returning to the lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Allen had a little more room to do what he needed offensively on Friday. The Cavaliers will look to even the series at two games apiece when they visit the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday.
CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Back in the Cavaliers’ lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Mobley was impactful on Friday. While he shot the ball reasonably well, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year was a menace defensively. Mobley recorded six “stocks,” which doesn’t tell the whole story of his impact in Game 3. Keeping him healthy will be paramount for the Cavaliers if they’re to rebound and win this series. The Cavaliers and Pacers meet in Game 4 on Sunday.
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Friday’s game was Garland’s first since Game 2 of the Cavaliers’ first-round series against the Heat. He did look rusty, but the more concerning moment occurred during the third quarter. Garland appeared to have tweaked the toe injury that sidelined him for four games, but he was able to return later in the contest. Cleveland holding onto its gaudy lead ensured that Garland would not be extended too far in his first game back from injury. He’ll now rest up for Game 4 on Sunday night.
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers’ chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He’s scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It’s become clear that the Pacers don’t have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers’ star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday.
CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers’ chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He’s scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It’s become clear that the Pacers don’t have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers’ star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday.
CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley and Hunter are back after sitting out Cleveland’s Game 2 defeat on Tuesday, a contest in which the Cavaliers blew a big lead due primarily to a lack of depth. While the former will return to the starting lineup, the latter will be one of Cleveland’s key options off the bench. Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade will likely play fewer minutes with Mobley and Hunter in the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland is available after missing four games with a sprained left big toe. Given the stakes, with Cleveland trailing two games to none, the point guard will likely take on his usual workload in Game 3. Sam Merrill’s playing time will likely decrease with Garland in the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Shams is quoted as saying, “To my knowledge Garland, Mobley, and Hunter are all aiming to play in this pivotal game three.” Mobley and Hunter sat out Game 2, and their return - along with Garland’s - will provide a much-needed boost for Cleveland on both ends of the court. Assuming Mobley and Hunter get the green light, Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro will presumably see a decrease in playing time.
Source: Pat McAfee Show
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
The news couldn’t come at a better time, as Shams also expects Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter to take the court. Cleveland fell behind 2-0 in the series with a wild final minute of Game 2 that culminated in a Tyrese Haliburton game-winning three-pointer. Teams down 3-0 in a series have never come back to win, so a victory on Friday is crucial in keeping the Cavs’ season alive. With Garland expected back, Ty Jerome will retreat back to the bench.
Source: Pat McAfee Show
CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter, who dislocated the thumb on his shooting (right) hand during Game 1, was one of three Cavaliers’ rotation players to miss Game 2, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being the others. Hunter’s absence led to more rotation minutes for Isaac Okoro, who logged 30 minutes in Game 2 and finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. How much Okoro plays in Game 3 will also depend on the status of Evan Mobley (ankle), who did not play in Game 2.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter, who dislocated the thumb on his shooting (right) hand during Game 1, was one of three Cavaliers’ rotation players to miss Game 2, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being the others. Hunter’s absence led to more rotation minutes for Isaac Okoro, who logged 30 minutes in Game 2 and finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. How much Okoro plays in Game 3 will also depend on the status of Evan Mobley (ankle), who did not play in Game 2.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley sprained his ankle during Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers, which kept him out of Game 2 on Tuesday. Dean Wade moved into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with three points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. He’ll likely retain his spot in the starting lineup if Mobley cannot play. However, with Cleveland in a 0-2 hole, look for the Defensive Player of the Year to do all he can to be available.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley sprained his ankle during Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers, which kept him out of Game 2 on Tuesday. Dean Wade moved into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with three points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. He’ll likely retain his spot in the starting lineup if Mobley cannot play. However, with Cleveland in a 0-2 hole, look for the Defensive Player of the Year to do all he can to be available.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Due to a sprained left big toe, Garland has not appeared in a game since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Heat. While Sam Merrill started Game 1, he was moved to the bench for Game 2, with Ty Jerome taking over as the starter alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers were also without Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter for Game 2, which impacted the lineup overall.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Due to a sprained left big toe, Garland has not appeared in a game since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Heat. While Sam Merrill started Game 1, he was moved to the bench for Game 2, with Ty Jerome taking over as the starter alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers were also without Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter for Game 2, which impacted the lineup overall.
Source: Evan Dammarell
IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
While Turner had 23 points on 17 shots in Game 2, his biggest impact came on the defensive end as a rim protector. The 29-year-old center had five blocks and made things difficult on the Cavaliers when they opted to drive into the paint. Turner had an easier time down low on the offensive end with Evan Mobley (ankle) out for Game 2, though he still stepped out and hit two three-pointers. He’ll continue to be counted on a key player for the Pacers as they head home with a 2-0 series lead.
IND • Guard-Forward • #23
7 months ago
Nesmith continues to step up his game in the playoffs. After the first two games of the second round, the 25-year-old small forward has 40 points and nine three-pointers in the series. He saw his minutes go up from 25 to 33 from Game 1 to Game 2. It seems the Pacers are increasingly comfortable relying on their starters including Nesmith, despite him being in a timeshare with Bennedict Mathurin during the regular season.
IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
Haliburton and the Pacers pulled off a 14-point comeback despite trailing by seven points with less than a minute left. With the Pacers still down three near the end of regulation, Haliburton went to free throw line for two shots. After making the first, he missed the second free throw, got his own rebound and hit a game-winning three-pointer. It was an incredible sequence as the second round of these playoffs has been filled clutch moments from underdog teams on the road. Haliburton and the Pacers are up 2-0 as the series heads to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.
IND • Guard-Forward • #23
7 months ago
After scoring at least 14 points in the final four games of Indiana’s first-round win over Milwaukee, Nesmith got his second round off to an excellent start. He shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, with only Andrew Nembhard making more three-pointers for the Pacers in this one. In a timeshare with Bennedict Mathurin (11/5/1/0/1 with three three-pointers in 23 minutes), Nesmith provided more value than many may have expected in Game 1. The Pacers will need more performances like this to eliminate the team with the best record in the East.
IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
After failing to record a double-double during the Pacers’ first-round series against the Bucks, Turner accomplished that feat on Sunday. He recorded a complete stat line, holding his own against Cleveland’s tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Turner’s rebounds will be key in this series, as will his ability to step away from the basket and hit perimeter shots. Game 2 is on Tuesday night in Cleveland.
IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
Due to injury, Haliburton only played in two of the four regular-season meetings with the Cavaliers, recording modest averages. There were no such concerns in Game 1, with the Pacers’ point guard shooting 66.7 percent from the field and committing just one turnover. When Haliburton is as efficient as he was on Sunday, Indiana is incredibly tough to beat. And the Pacers have the fourth-best record in the NBA since January 1. Game 2 is on Tuesday night.
IND • Guard-Forward • #2
7 months ago
Indiana’s offensive balance and superior perimeter shooting won Game 1, with the Pacers snatching away home-court advantage. Nembhard shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, and Indiana outscored Cleveland by 33 points on three-pointers. Nembhard was also impactful defensively on Sunday. While Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, he was inefficient, and the pesky Pacers guard had much to do with that. Nembhard and company will look to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 on Tuesday.