The Cleveland Cavaliers are moving on.
Now that they know their opponent for the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they can start digging deep into the tape.
Notably, they will have some more days to get some rest and hit the drawing board.
As reported by Evan Dammarell of Down Euclid, Game 1 of the second round will tip off on Sunday, May 4th.
The NBA has announced that the series between the #Cavs and the Pacers will start on Sunday, May 4.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) April 30, 2025
The Pacers won’t be an easy opponent to get past.
They won three out of four games with the Cavaliers this season, including the last two, and they will be a much tougher opponent than the Miami Heat.
Granted, this version of the Milwaukee Bucks isn’t a barometer to determine how great or competitive a team the Pacers are, but they didn’t find much trouble getting past them in just five games.
The Cavaliers have been the best team in the East this season, and they certainly have the personnel to match up and depth with the Pacers’ plethora of wings.
The matchup in the paint will be crucial.
Evan Mobley will most likely hold his own against Myles Turner because they can both play beyond the arc, and Jarrett Allen will handle Pascal Siakam.
Both of the Pacers’ bigs can step out to the perimeter, and if Allen isn’t able to hold his own there, Kenny Atkinson will have to turn to De’Andre Hunter.
This will be an interesting chess match between two very good teams, and the Cavaliers will be wise not to overlook them in the second round.
NEXT: Cavs Set Franchise Playoff Record For Impressive Offensive Stat
