The Cavaliers made quick work of the Heat in the first round, but the Pacers should be a more difficult foe. The Pacers went 3-1 against the Cavaliers during the regular season, which included them winning both games in Cleveland. The Pacers have size, depth and playoff experience. As good as the Cavaliers are, I think the Pacers keep this close enough to cover. I could see this being a long series.

Should Indy be getting a bit more respect? All the Pacers did at the end of the regular season is win 13 of their last 16 and followed that up by taking out Giannis and the Bucks in five in the first round. Remember, Indiana has won three series since last spring, and also won three of four in the regular season vs. the Cavs (note the last two Pacers wins were in the final week of the regular season). Matchups don't look bad for the Pacers, either (Pascal Siakam might cause problems for Evan Mobley on the blocks), and Cavs PG Darius Garland, who missed the last two games of the Miami sweep, is iffy for Sunday with a big toe injury. Play Pacers

DraftKings. After a series against the Heat where Jarrett Allen cleared this line in 3/4 games in a tougher matchup against the Heat, the Cavs big man has a decidedly easier spot against the Pacers. Indiana ranked 26th against roll men in the pick and roll this season, and allowed the tenth most rebounds. Allen has cleared this line in 29/44 games playing at least 26 minutes with both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley active.

DraftKings. After an exhilarating finish to the series against the Bucks, I’m expecting Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers to come back down to earth a bit in the series against the Cavs. Haliburton struggled on the road all season, staying under this combined points, rebounds and assists line in 26/38 away games, averaging 29.3 PRA (including the playoffs). This includes 9/11 against teams in the top 10 of pick and roll defense. The Cavs ranked 4th in that department this season, and are coming off a series where they held Tyler Herro in check for three of four games. I’d bet this one down to under 32.5 PRA.

I have a hard time thinking the Pacers believe they can win low-scoring games here. They have to push the pace like crazy and run-and-run. Both teams were top 10 in pace in regular season; Cavs were 7th in pace at home and Pacers were 6th in pace on road. Playoffs are different, sure, but their regular-season games featured 244, 226, 244 and 201 points. Both teams will be rested enough going in. The Cavs were 3rd in NBA in offensive rating at home. Cavs home games averaged 227 points at home, where they average over 120/G. The series will probably settle down but I could see a track meet in the opener.