Cavaliers, Pacers Set for Semifinals Showdown

The Cleveland Cavaliers, after sweeping the Miami Heat by a record 122-point margin, will face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals starting Sunday. Cleveland features the league's top offense and recently named Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley, while Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland lead their scoring. The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton—who carries an 'overrated' tag despite the Cavs' respect—challenge with a fast-paced, high-scoring style. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has stressed the need to match Indiana's speed to avoid defensive lapses. Most analysts predict Cleveland to win the series in five or six games, but note Indiana's confidence and regular-season edge. The outcome is expected to hinge on whether Cleveland can balance its offensive firepower and defense against Indiana's tempo and depth.