The Indiana Pacers, coming off a competitive first-round series, are preparing to meet the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 1 is set for Sunday night in Cleveland.
Indiana point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who made the winning shot in overtime of Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks, acknowledged the challenge ahead. "If you want to be the best, you gotta beat the best," Haliburton said.
The Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat in the opening round. Cleveland's four victories came by a combined 122 points, setting a league record. Their 138-83 win in the closeout Game 4 marked the largest margin for a series-ending victory in NBA history.
The Pacers' series against the Bucks was closer, highlighted by their 119-118 overtime win in the final game. Haliburton's basket completed a comeback after Milwaukee led by seven points late in the fourth quarter.
Indiana's offensive depth showed in the first round, with Game Preview leading several players averaging double figures. Pascal Siakam led the team's scoring average in the series. Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, and T.J. McConnell also contributed significantly.
Cleveland center Jarrett Allen noted the Pacers' speed in transition. Allen described Turner as a unique defensive assignment due to his ability to shoot from outside while also blocking shots. "I'm not really comfortable doing it, so I just have to try and mitigate the damages out there," Allen stated.
Cavaliers power forward Evan Mobley, who received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, discussed his matchup against Siakam. Mobley aims to use his size defensively. "I'm going to use my length on him," Mobley said. "He goes to his shot and knocks them down, so my job is stopping him from getting there."
A question mark for Cleveland is the status of point guard Darius Garland. He missed the last two games of the Miami series due to a toe injury and is listed as questionable for Game 1. Coach Kenny Atkinson said a decision would come close to tipoff.
Despite Cleveland's 64-18 regular season record, the Pacers won three of the four meetings between the teams during the regular schedule. However, both coaches downplayed the relevance of those results for the playoffs.
"When you get to the second round of the playoffs, things elevate," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "The level of competition, the stage. A lot of things to be excited about."
