The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best team in the Eastern Conference this season.
They’re just one win away from clinching the No. 1 seed.
Barring a shocking turn of events, they will have homecourt advantage through the Eastern Conference Finals.
However, they need to get there first.
That’s why ESPN insider Brian Windhorst believes they should be worried about the Indiana Pacers.
Talking on ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show,” Windhorst stated that even though he still thinks the Cavs would be favored over the Pacers because they’ve earned it, they could still be a tough team to get past.
"I'm telling you, the Pacers are a team to be worried about," – @WindhorstESPN on a potential Cavs/Pacers 2nd round series.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/kb5DlDbQ9l
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 7, 2025
He pointed out that their playing style could pose a threat to the Cavs, adding that they have a tendency to wear down opposing teams during a long series.
Notably, that was the case last season.
Rick Carlisle’s team shockingly made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they’re still not getting enough credit and recognition.
They can run anybody off the court, and they have a deep roster and a long rotation, which isn’t very common in the playoffs.
At the end of the day, the Cavs have earned the benefit of the doubt, and other than the Boston Celtics, they should be heavily favored to beat anybody else in the East.
Nevertheless, the Pacers are riding high right now, and the Cavs aren’t going through their best moments with the playoffs just around the corner, and that’s another factor to consider in this equation.
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