Players To Watch
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Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell Prepares to Face Indiana Pacers in Playoff Showdown

First Quarter


As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to host the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena, all eyes will be on Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs' dynamic guard. Over the past three games, Mitchell has been a standout performer for the Wine and Gold. His exceptional scoring ability was on full display in their recent matchup against the Pacers on May 9th, where he dropped an impressive 43 points, along with 5 assists and 9 rebounds. With a field goal percentage of 48 percent and an offensive rating of 134.7, Mitchell's performance was nothing short of spectacular.


INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round Two Game Three of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

In contrast, Darius Garland has also been a key contributor for the Cavs. In their game on May 12th, Garland scored 21 points and dished out 6 assists while maintaining a solid field goal percentage of 54 percent. His offensive prowess is complemented by his defensive efforts, as evidenced by his defensive rating of 126.5.


Second Quarter


Evan Mobley has been another crucial player for Cleveland, showcasing his versatility as a forward. On May 9th against Indiana, Mobley recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, adding three blocks to his stat line. His efficiency rating of 33 highlights his impact on both ends of the floor.


INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers passes the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 2 Game 3 on May 9, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Max Strus has also made significant contributions from the forward position. In their game on May 6th at Rocket Arena, Strus scored 23 points with an impressive shooting accuracy—44 percent from the field and hitting over half of his three-point attempts at a rate of 42 percent.


Third Quarter


For the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner has been a formidable presence in their lineup. Turner's performance on May 6th was particularly noteworthy as he scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds while blocking five shots against Cleveland's defense.


INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers rebounds the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round Two Game Three of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Tyrese Haliburton continues to be an essential playmaker for Indiana. Despite a quieter game on May 9th with only four points, Haliburton contributed significantly with five assists and maintained strong defensive efforts throughout his time on court.


Pascal Siakam's consistency is another factor that could influence this playoff series. On May 12th against Cleveland, Siakam scored efficiently with a field goal percentage of ninety percent and added six rebounds to his tally.


Fourth Quarter


As we look ahead to this pivotal playoff clash between these two Eastern Conference rivals, Cleveland will need its star players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley to maintain their high level of play if they hope to secure victory at home. The Cavs' ability to capitalize on their offensive strengths while tightening up defensively will be crucial in countering Indiana's balanced attack led by Turner and Haliburton.


The upcoming game is scheduled for May 13th at Rocket Arena in Cleveland at 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcasted live on TNT as well as available online through MAX streaming services.


Fans are encouraged not only to tune into what promises to be an exciting contest but also share this article across social media platforms!

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