2025 NBA PLAYOFFS East Semifinals: #1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #4 Indiana Pacers (IND leads 1-0)

[oikosnomos]

IBut if they can get Turner to take mid-range shots, they'll probably be happy with that.

Turner's mid-range shots tend to come when he gets the ball in the middle of a zone. will the Cavs play zone against our starters? against our second unit?

They do play zone quite a bit. I'm not sure how or when they'll use it against the Pacers, but I think I saw a stat at some point in the season that they were like the 3rd highest in running zone.

[Pacers_Freak]

Post from Realcavsfans and I couldnt agree more. But this is sport so we will see.
"Fun matchups!
1. We'll target Haliburton like we did Heiro--with the same success.
2. We'll treat Turner like Adabayo--double-teaming him and frustrating him with Jarrett and Mobley--with the same success.
3. We'll use a lot of Mobley, Wade, and Hunter on Siakim--and he'll get frustrated, especially trying to defend Mobley and Hunter. He may get in foul trouble.
4. Garland and Mitchell will be able to score at will.
5. If we keep our turnovers down, it'll be a 4 game sweep"

Well my Sunday just freed up. No point in wasting 2.5 hours to watch that bloodbath.

[GiannisAnte34]

Are the Cavs this year closer to the 2016-17 Cavs or the 2019-20 Bucks? Both dominant regular season teams

[JujitsuFlip]

IBut if they can get Turner to take mid-range shots, they'll probably be happy with that.

Turner's mid-range shots tend to come when he gets the ball in the middle of a zone. will the Cavs play zone against our starters? against our second unit?

They do play zone quite a bit. I'm not sure how or when they'll use it against the Pacers, but I think I saw a stat at some point in the season that they were like the 3rd highest in running zone.

https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/02/how-the-cavs-zone-defense-works-and-why-it-has-been-a-success.html#:~:text=Simply%2C%20a%20zone%20defense%20has,at%20the%20end%20of%20quarters.

The author doesn't cite their source and most the sites where you can find it are pay wall'd but yup. "The zone has become a Cavaliers staple. They are using it with the third highest frequency of any NBA team, behind Miami and Philadelphia."

[mcfly1204]

Are the Cavs this year closer to the 2016-17 Cavs or the 2019-20 Bucks? Both dominant regular season teams

Feels like you're comparing apples to oranges in either scenario. Those Cavs and Bucks teams were led by dominate players. This Cavs squad is a much more balanced team.

[cgf]

Post from Realcavsfans and I couldnt agree more. But this is sport so we will see.
"Fun matchups!
1. We'll target Haliburton like we did Heiro--with the same success.
2. We'll treat Turner like Adabayo--double-teaming him and frustrating him with Jarrett and Mobley--with the same success.
3. We'll use a lot of Mobley, Wade, and Hunter on Siakim--and he'll get frustrated, especially trying to defend Mobley and Hunter. He may get in foul trouble.
4. Garland and Mitchell will be able to score at will.
5. If we keep our turnovers down, it'll be a 4 game sweep"

I think some key differences is that they're not going to want to leave Turner open from 3 and dare him to shoot, like they did Bam. Turner will lace those in their eye. Cavs also used Hunter and Wade on Bam for stretches which i think would be an awful idea with Turner's size.

Maybe they do attack Hali like they did Herro but on the other side of the court, Hali is not just going to chuck it, he will facilitate, and get others involved.

But the true difference between the teams is Siakam. The Heat have no one like him, the guy can shoot, pass, and has a post-up game.

I also think the secondary creators in McConnell and Nembhard will pose a different threat than the Heat could. They will keep the ball moving and continue that rim pressure.

They also have Mathurin who can go off in any given game and Obi is a guaranteed source of some transition buckets each game. Throw in Walker & Nesmith as defenders they can throw out their to keep the intensity up without burning anyone out, and that team just comes at you in waves, like a hockey team.

[LethalRangee]

Indy is deep and the Cavs are insanely overrated for what they are. I smell an upset incoming.

[JujitsuFlip]

Post from Realcavsfans and I couldnt agree more. But this is sport so we will see.
"Fun matchups!
1. We'll target Haliburton like we did Heiro--with the same success.
2. We'll treat Turner like Adabayo--double-teaming him and frustrating him with Jarrett and Mobley--with the same success.
3. We'll use a lot of Mobley, Wade, and Hunter on Siakim--and he'll get frustrated, especially trying to defend Mobley and Hunter. He may get in foul trouble.
4. Garland and Mitchell will be able to score at will.
5. If we keep our turnovers down, it'll be a 4 game sweep"

I think some key differences is that they're not going to want to leave Turner open from 3 and dare him to shoot, like they did Bam. Turner will lace those in their eye. Cavs also used Hunter and Wade on Bam for stretches which i think would be an awful idea with Turner's size.

Maybe they do attack Hali like they did Herro but on the other side of the court, Hali is not just going to chuck it, he will facilitate, and get others involved.

But the true difference between the teams is Siakam. The Heat have no one like him, the guy can shoot, pass, and has a post-up game.

I also think the secondary creators in McConnell and Nembhard will pose a different threat than the Heat could. They will keep the ball moving and continue that rim pressure.

They also have Mathurin who can go off in any given game and Obi is a guaranteed source of some transition buckets each game. Throw in Walker & Nesmith as defenders they can throw out their to keep the intensity up without burning anyone out, and that team just comes at you in waves, like a hockey team.

Meh, I'm not worried about that, we're not the Knicks.

Kenny played 10 guys in his rotation in the 1st round. Pacers do go deeper to 11 but their starters also play more than the Cavs starters.

The Knicks were 2nd to last in bench scoring in round 1 (11.5ppg) because it's pretty much just Robinson and Deuce outside of the lone Campaign heroics game.

Conversely, the Cavs were #1 in round 1 in bench scoring at 46.5 PPG. Our depth is our strength, Kenny trusts his top 10 guys.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-teams-bench-points-per-game-playoffs-2025

[Wizop]

Throw in Walker & Nesmith as defenders they can throw out their to keep the intensity up without burning anyone out, and that team just comes at you in waves, like a hockey team.

I can imagine a sneaky X-Factor being Sheppard guarding Jerome.

[cgf]

I think some key differences is that they're not going to want to leave Turner open from 3 and dare him to shoot, like they did Bam. Turner will lace those in their eye. Cavs also used Hunter and Wade on Bam for stretches which i think would be an awful idea with Turner's size.

Maybe they do attack Hali like they did Herro but on the other side of the court, Hali is not just going to chuck it, he will facilitate, and get others involved.

But the true difference between the teams is Siakam. The Heat have no one like him, the guy can shoot, pass, and has a post-up game.

I also think the secondary creators in McConnell and Nembhard will pose a different threat than the Heat could. They will keep the ball moving and continue that rim pressure.

They also have Mathurin who can go off in any given game and Obi is a guaranteed source of some transition buckets each game. Throw in Walker & Nesmith as defenders they can throw out their to keep the intensity up without burning anyone out, and that team just comes at you in waves, like a hockey team.

Meh, I'm not worried about that, we're not the Knicks.

Kenny played 10 guys in his rotation in the 1st round. Pacers do go deeper to 11 but their starters also play more than the Cavs starters.

The Knicks were 2nd to last in bench scoring in round 1 (11.5ppg) because it's pretty much just Robinson and Deuce outside of the lone Campaign heroics game.

Conversely, the Cavs were #1 in round 1 in bench scoring at 46.5 PPG. Our depth is our strength, Kenny trusts his top 10 guys.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-teams-bench-points-per-game-playoffs-2025

Just can't help bringing us up, can you? It's cool, after we beat Boston, we'll take care of the Pacers for you

I was just adding to the "they're not Miami" point by mentioning other weapons they have that you didn't list. That team is arguably even deeper than yours, with 11 rotation guys...though your top 4 is better than theirs.

[cgf]

Throw in Walker & Nesmith as defenders they can throw out their to keep the intensity up without burning anyone out, and that team just comes at you in waves, like a hockey team.

I can imagine a sneaky X-Factor being Sheppard guarding Jerome.

How could I forget other-Ben! You're too f*** deep lol

You should be a good sport and let us have Walker.

[JujitsuFlip]

They also have Mathurin who can go off in any given game and Obi is a guaranteed source of some transition buckets each game. Throw in Walker & Nesmith as defenders they can throw out their to keep the intensity up without burning anyone out, and that team just comes at you in waves, like a hockey team.

Meh, I'm not worried about that, we're not the Knicks.

Kenny played 10 guys in his rotation in the 1st round. Pacers do go deeper to 11 but their starters also play more than the Cavs starters.

The Knicks were 2nd to last in bench scoring in round 1 (11.5ppg) because it's pretty much just Robinson and Deuce outside of the lone Campaign heroics game.

Conversely, the Cavs were #1 in round 1 in bench scoring at 46.5 PPG. Our depth is our strength, Kenny trusts his top 10 guys.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-teams-bench-points-per-game-playoffs-2025

Just can't help bringing us up, can you? It's cool, after we beat Boston, we'll take care of the Pacers for you

I was just adding to the "they're not Miami" point by mentioning other weapons they have that you didn't list. That team is arguably even deeper than yours, with 11 rotation guys...though your top 4 is better than theirs.

Well, i just know you're mentioning the Pacers are built like a hockey team bc you said previously their depth wore your team out in the 2024 playoffs.

I am just telling you, I'm not worried about that, because the Cavs don't play a 7 man rotation.

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

What does this have to do with anything being discussed?

Kinda seems like you wanted to take a jab, just to take a jab.

[cgf]

Meh, I'm not worried about that, we're not the Knicks.

Kenny played 10 guys in his rotation in the 1st round. Pacers do go deeper to 11 but their starters also play more than the Cavs starters.

The Knicks were 2nd to last in bench scoring in round 1 (11.5ppg) because it's pretty much just Robinson and Deuce outside of the lone Campaign heroics game.

Conversely, the Cavs were #1 in round 1 in bench scoring at 46.5 PPG. Our depth is our strength, Kenny trusts his top 10 guys.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-teams-bench-points-per-game-playoffs-2025

Just can't help bringing us up, can you? It's cool, after we beat Boston, we'll take care of the Pacers for you

I was just adding to the "they're not Miami" point by mentioning other weapons they have that you didn't list. That team is arguably even deeper than yours, with 11 rotation guys...though your top 4 is better than theirs.

Well, i just know you're mentioning the Pacers are built like a hockey team bc you said previously their depth wore your team out in the 2024 playoffs.

I am just telling you, I'm not worried about that, because the Cavs don't play a 7 man rotation.

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

It's not just us, they play like that against everyone. It's why I predicted a gentleman's sweep over Milwaukee before the series even started. They put constant pressure on you on both ends of the court because they can leverage that depth to keep everyone fresh. You don't need to run an 8 man rotation for that pressure to disrupt you.

After how much the Celtics struggled against a play-in team in round 1, I ain't scared

[cgf]

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

What does this have to do with anything being discussed?

Kinda seems like you wanted to take a jab, just to take a jab.

Some Cavs still have 2023 flashbacks that they just can't let go. So you just have to cut them some slack and roll with it when they remember the way Mitch sonned both JAfro & Mobley, while Garland & Mitchell were upstaged by the Brunson Burner.

You'll start getting it after you bounce that soft team this year

[GiannisAnte34]

Are the Cavs this year closer to the 2016-17 Cavs or the 2019-20 Bucks? Both dominant regular season teams

Feels like you're comparing apples to oranges in either scenario. Those Cavs and Bucks teams were led by dominate players. This Cavs squad is a much more balanced team.

We could widen it to 2015-2016 Cavs #1 seed won Finals
2016-17 Cavs #1 seed lost in the Finals
2018-2019 Bucks #1 seed lost in the ECF
and the 2019-2020 Bucks #1 seed lost in the ECSF

I think in terms of results, I'd expect Cleveland to lose in the ECF. I don't think the Pacers will just roll over for the Cavs tho, they need to be on point to advance here. The Bucks weren't prepared for the Heat in 19-20 and didn't get the advantage of home crowds, got burned for it

Cavs need to take both games at home to start the series. If Pacers can steal one they'll be feeling confident, they play with a lot of composure and clutch poise

[JujitsuFlip]

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

What does this have to do with anything being discussed?

Kinda seems like you wanted to take a jab, just to take a jab.

Probably the part where cgf said "after we beat Boston, we'll take care of the Pacers for you" if i had to guess lol he's constantly stirring the pot despite his team getting absolutely curb stomped against the top 3 teams in the NBA this season.

[cgf]

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

What does this have to do with anything being discussed?

Kinda seems like you wanted to take a jab, just to take a jab.

Probably the part where cgf said "after we beat Boston, we'll take care of the Pacers for you" if i had to guess lol he's constantly stirring the pot despite his team getting absolutely curb stomped against the top 3 teams in the NBA this season.

Touche, it was clearly me who brought my team up out of the blue when I started your post with "Meh, I'm not worried about that, we're not the Knicks"...

[jbk1234]

Post from Realcavsfans and I couldnt agree more. But this is sport so we will see.
"Fun matchups!
1. We'll target Haliburton like we did Heiro--with the same success.
2. We'll treat Turner like Adabayo--double-teaming him and frustrating him with Jarrett and Mobley--with the same success.
3. We'll use a lot of Mobley, Wade, and Hunter on Siakim--and he'll get frustrated, especially trying to defend Mobley and Hunter. He may get in foul trouble.
4. Garland and Mitchell will be able to score at will.
5. If we keep our turnovers down, it'll be a 4 game sweep"

You can't apply personnel specific schemes to completely different personnel. Turner is a stretch 5. Bam is not. Siakam is a much more skilled player than either Ware or Jovic. Haliburton is one of the best true PGs in the NBA who has the size to pass over most traps. Herro is a SG playing PG because Miami didn't have a healthy starting-caliber PG. Few of Miami's role players have good ball handling skills. Almost all of the Pacers' role players dribble well enough to handle pressure.

This will be a completely different series.

[JujitsuFlip]

Just can't help bringing us up, can you? It's cool, after we beat Boston, we'll take care of the Pacers for you

I was just adding to the "they're not Miami" point by mentioning other weapons they have that you didn't list. That team is arguably even deeper than yours, with 11 rotation guys...though your top 4 is better than theirs.

Well, i just know you're mentioning the Pacers are built like a hockey team bc you said previously their depth wore your team out in the 2024 playoffs.

I am just telling you, I'm not worried about that, because the Cavs don't play a 7 man rotation.

I doubt your Knicks can beat the Celtics after struggling against the Pistons in round 1.

It's not just us, they play like that against everyone. It's why I predicted a gentleman's sweep over Milwaukee before the series even started. They put constant pressure on you on both ends of the court because they can leverage that depth to keep everyone fresh. You don't need to run an 8 man rotation for that pressure to disrupt you.

After how much the Celtics struggled against a play-in team in round 1, I ain't scared

No crap the Pacers play 11 deep vs everyone. The point i was making is 10 is greater than 7.

10 guys won't get worn down as easily as 7 guys will. So i understand your spectator expierence is how the hockey shift style player rotation wore your team out. But it is wholly irrelevant since the Cavs are just as deep as the Pacers, unlike the Knicks.

I don't think this is aerospace engineering but maybe I'm wrong...