The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs, and they're looking to continue their postseason run. The Cavaliers made light work of the Miami Heat in the first round, and they're going to have to keep the momentum going against the hungry Pacers team.

The Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round for the second season in a row, and are being led by the likes of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. The Pacers have a high-paced offense similar to the Cavaliers, and this series will have a lot of points scored at the end of the game. The Cavaliers have played well on both sides of the ball all season, and that's going to have to continue if they want to beat the Pacers.

Here are a few predictions for the Cavaliers as they're set to face their opponent.

This will be the Evan Mobley series

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat in the second quarter during game four for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Evan Mobley is having one of the best seasons of his career, and he was awarded with Defensive Player of the Year at the end of the regular season. He continued that strong play in the first round against the Heat, and there should be no reason why he can't do the same against the Pacers. Mobley has shown to be a matchup problem because of his length and what he can do on both sides of the ball.

In this series, his matchup will either be Siakam or Myles Turner, and either one, he can take advantage of. He and Jarrett Allen have been one of the best frontcourts in the league this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them dominate in this series.

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Cavaliers News
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith (5) and center Kevin Love (0) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena.
Ex-Cavaliers Kevin Love, JR Smith have emotional reunion after Pacers-Knicks Game 5Miguel La Torre ·
timberwolves, Kevin Durant, Dejounte Murray, and Jarrett Allen
3 early Minnesota Timberwolves trade targets in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Arena.
NBA rumors: Cavs insider floats Darius Garland-Jalen Suggs trade ideaJoey Mistretta ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Pacers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Evaluating Cavs’ draft approach with Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill decisions loomingEvan Dammarell ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts with forward Evan Mobley (4) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley join LeBron James, Kyrie Irving with All-NBA honorsEvan Dammarell ·

Darius Garland won't return until Game 3

The biggest issue surrounding the Cavaliers right now is the status of Darius Garland, who missed Games 3 and 4 of their first-round series. Garland is dealing with a toe injury, and it's been affecting him to the point where he hasn't been able to be on the floor with his teammates. He's done some practicing, but it still sounds like he's not ready just yet to return.

The Cavaliers were able to win the games that Garland missed, but this may be a different story with the Pacers, as they've been able to take advantage of teams who are missing their key players. If Garland can't play until later in the series, it's going to be up to the depth of the Cavaliers to step up, which should not be a problem for them.

Cavaliers finish the series in five games

Though the Cavaliers missed Garland for two games last series, it seems like they were even more dominant in their routing of the Heat. That's not to say that they're better without Garland, but it speaks to the depth of the team and what they're able to accomplish with whoever is on the team.

The Cavaliers don't seem to be playing this season, and if they have the chance to put away a team, that's what they're going to do. The Pacers are in their way to trying to get to the NBA Finals, and it may be a long series for them.