Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers Clash in Eastern Conference Semifinals May 5

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers are set to face off in the Eastern Conference semifinals after both teams advanced with impressive first-round performances. Cleveland swept the Miami Heat in the most lopsided playoff series in NBA history, showcasing dominant scoring and a strong defensive presence, while Indiana ousted the Milwaukee Bucks in five games with a fast-paced, well-distributed offense led by Tyrese Haliburton. Both teams are among the league's top offensive units, with low turnover rates and efficient shooting, promising a high-scoring series. The key matchup will be between team leaders Donovan Mitchell for Cleveland and Tyrese Haliburton for Indiana, whose playmaking will be crucial. X-factors include Cleveland's Max Strus and Indiana's TJ McConnell, the latter of whom has been instrumental in Indiana's rise. Despite being underdogs, the Pacers' evolving identity and commitment to Haliburton's style make them a potential threat to the top-seeded Cavaliers.