The Cleveland Cavaliers enter Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals down 0-2 in the series. Despite having the first two games on their home floor, the Cavaliers fell to the Indiana Pacers, putting themselves in a tough spot.
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The scene is now shifting over to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, putting the Cavaliers on the spot. There has been a mixture of inconsistent play and injuries from the Cavaliers, leading to their shortcomings in the first two games.
But entering Game 3, the injury report for Cleveland was once again very long. Star guard Darius Garland has missed the first two games of the series due to a nagging toe issue.
Garland entered the game as questionable, but he will indeed suit up for this crucial game.
Shams: Darius Garland (toe) will play Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 9, 2025
Star center Evan Mobley missed Game 2 due to an ankle problem, and the Cavaliers missed his size on the floor. Mobley was also listed as questionable for Game 3, and he will also take the court for Cleveland.
Shams: Evan Mobley (ankle) will play Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 9, 2025
Forward De’Andre Hunter also missed Game 2 due to a thumb injury, hitting the Cavaliers’ depth hard. Hunter was listed as questionable for Game 3 as well, but will be playing against the Pacers.
Shams: De’Andre Hunter (thumb) will play Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 9, 2025
The Cavaliers have been missing multiple pieces throughout this series with the Pacers, and it’s hurt them on the court. Cleveland was built around strong depth this season, but that depth has been tested heavily.
Indiana has been one of the better teams at home this season, making Game 3 even tougher for the Cavaliers. But Cleveland has shown poise all year long, and they will need to do so once again here.
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Game 3 will be a massive challenge for the Cavaliers, but having their core group back together could make all the difference. Cleveland was the best team in the Eastern Conference this past season, and they will be looking to show why in this contest.
No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit, so the Cavaliers understand how crucial Game 3 is. If they can’t pick up the win, the special season that the team just put together will likely all be for nothing.
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