Pacers vs Cavaliers G5 Preview: Mitchell is doubtful Haliburton eliminated the Eastern Conference boss 4-1?

At 7 a.m. Beijing time on May 14, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers will play the Pacers at home to start Game 5 of the series. In the first 4 games, the Cavaliers fell behind 1-3 on aggregate, and if they lose one more game, the Eastern Conference boss in the regular season will be eliminated. For the Cavaliers, their hopes for an epic comeback may be pinned on the progress of core Mitchell's recovery from an ankle injury.

During the halftime warm-up of the fourth game of the 109-129 loss to the Pacers, Mitchell suffered an aggravated ankle injury and had to withdraw from the game. He underwent an MRI today, but the Cavaliers did not give specifics. Subsequently, in the NBA's official injury report, Mitchell's G5 status was listed as doubtful.

The Pacers only need one win to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, and in the 2024-25 regular season and playoffs, the Pacers won all four of their games in Cleveland.

"It's not where it's played, it's how it's played." Pacers coach Carlisle said after practice, "We know exactly what the tension is going to be for tomorrow's game. Staying ahead is our challenge. Emotions are high, but we have to stay as calm as possible. ”

No one has done a better job in that regard than the Pacers' power forward Siakam and center Turner. They have been consistent and have outperformed Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen and Defensive Player of the Year Mobley on the court.

In Game 4, Siakam and Turner combined for 41 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while their Cavaliers counterparts had just 12 points and seven rebounds. Despite the Pacers bench Mathurin being ejected, the team still built a 41-point lead in the first half, tying the NBA playoff record.

"We're in a situation where at the end of the day, nobody is optimistic that we're going to win," Siakam said, "so when you're in that situation and you believe we're going to be the enemy of the world, we're going to be able to do where we are." That's who we are. ”

Throughout the series, Mitchell was outstanding, averaging 34.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game, even as he struggled with calf soreness. But to extend the Cavaliers' playoff journey, he'll need more help.

The Cavaliers have never won a series before after losing their first two games at home.

'We've had a 3-1 down situation as a team before. Garland was referring to the 2016 NBA Finals, when a team led by James and Irving won three straight games to give Cleveland the only championship in franchise history.

"We have the ability as a team to do [the reversal]. We've got talent, we've got the technology, and we've always had a lot of team cohesion. We just have to play our own style of basketball. ”

In those four games, the Pacers managed to limit the Cavaliers, especially the Cavaliers' three-point shots. The Cavaliers shot 2.3 percent from three-point range in the league during the regular season, but they shot just 30.2 percent from three-point range in this series. Jerome shot a low 15.4 percent from three-point range, while Hunter and Dean Wade both shot 22.2 percent from three-point range.

"The Pacers took their game to new heights, and we didn't keep up." Cavaliers coach Atkinson said, "We talked about it. We know that's what happens. We tried to mentally prepare the players, but for some reason, the Pacers did outperform. ”

List of injuries and illnesses

Pacers: Isaiah Jackson is out

Cavaliers: Mitchell's appearance is doubtful

ESPN predicts the win rate: Pacers 47.5%, Cavaliers 52.5%