Pacers Advance To Eastern Conference Finals Defeating Cavaliers

The Indiana Pacers have emerged as surprising contenders in the 2025 NBA playoffs, having upset the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games despite being widely underestimated by experts and players alike. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton has been a key figure in the team's success, delivering clutch performances and leading comebacks, while coach Rick Carlisle emphasizes maintaining focus amid growing attention. The Pacers, who made the Eastern Conference Finals last year, have embraced the underdog role and set their sights on winning their first NBA championship, displaying confidence against potential Finals opponents like the Knicks or Celtics. Meanwhile, the Western Conference Finals feature a closely matched series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder, with sportsbooks favoring the Thunder but noting the Timberwolves' veteran experience as a crucial factor. Key player matchups, such as Jalen Williams versus Julius Randle, are expected to influence the outcome, with the series outlook remaining open given the teams' split regular-season record and injury variables. Overall, the NBA playoffs are shaping up with compelling storylines on both conferences, highlighted by the Pacers' unexpected rise and the tightly contested Western Conference Finals.