As the NBA Playoffs charge forward into mid-May, Friday night’s double-header delivers two fierce matchups that could swing the momentum in their respective series. The Indiana Pacers look to protect home court and go 3-0 up against a short-handed but stubborn Cleveland Cavaliers side, while the Western Conference delivers fireworks in Denver as the reigning champs aim to recover from a shellacking at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
From last-second heroics to outright domination, this matchday encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of postseason basketball. Whether it’s Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch gene or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s floor command, fans and bettors alike have much to look forward to. And here at America Bet, we’ve broken it all down—match facts, team insights, score predictions, and top betting tips—so you don’t have to.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers
Match Info
- Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 3
- Friday 9th May 2025 – 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, USA
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers arrive in Indianapolis trailing 2-0 in the series but brimming with resilience. Despite the injury bug biting hard—key contributors Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter have all missed time—Donovan Mitchell has risen to the occasion. His 48-point outing in Game 2 nearly pulled off an upset on the road. Max Strus and Jarrett Allen have also stepped up, keeping Cleveland competitive with gutsy performances. However, Cleveland’s depth is stretched thin, and fatigue could be a factor if their top names don’t return in full capacity.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are surging. With back-to-back wins in dramatic fashion, Indiana holds the upper hand—and the confidence that comes with it. Tyrese Haliburton continues to silence critics with his playmaking, including a buzzer-beating three to seal Game 2. With the crowd behind them and a shot at going up 3-0 in the series, the Pacers are primed to strike. Even with Haliburton nursing a minor wrist issue, his leadership and the collective resilience of this unit make Indiana a serious threat to close out the series early.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Indiana Pacers to win
The Pacers have both momentum and health on their side. While Cleveland’s spirit can’t be questioned, Indiana’s cohesion and clutch performances—especially at home—make them the favourites to take Game 3.
America Bet Score Prediction
Cleveland Cavaliers 109 – 115 Indiana Pacers
Expect another tight game, but Indiana’s fourth-quarter execution and Cleveland’s injury woes may prove decisive in crunch time.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Indiana Pacers Moneyline
- Over 222.5 Total Points
- Tyrese Haliburton Over 9.5 Assists
- Donovan Mitchell Over 30.5 Points
- Jarrett Allen Double-Double
- Indiana Pacers to Win by 6-10 Points
- Max Strus Over 2.5 Three-Pointers
- Both Teams to Score 100+ Points
- Indiana Pacers to Win Q4
- Haliburton to Score Last Basket
Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets
Match Info
- Western Conference Semifinal Game 3
- Friday 9th May 2025 – 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST
- Ball Arena, Denver, USA
Oklahoma City Thunder
After a humbling loss in Game 1, the Thunder roared back with one of the most dominant playoff performances in recent memory—crushing Denver by 43 points in Game 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated a first-half masterpiece as OKC raced to a 24-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back. Their ability to frustrate Nikola Jokic into foul trouble disrupted Denver’s rhythm, showcasing OKC’s physicality and discipline on both ends. With a 32-8 road record during the regular season, the Thunder will fancy their chances of stealing one in Denver and reclaiming home-court advantage.
Denver Nuggets
Game 2 was a nightmare for the defending champions. Nikola Jokic was hounded into mistakes and ultimately fouled out, while the rest of the squad shot poorly and turned the ball over 21 times. Denver’s usual offensive efficiency evaporated under OKC’s relentless pressure. The good news? They’ve been here before. This is a team that has come back from deficits and disappointing losses in previous playoff runs. With leadership from Jokic and the potential return to form for Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets can’t be written off—but they’ll need a strong response in Game 3 to avoid a dangerous 2-1 deficit.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Oklahoma City Thunder to win
Despite playing on the road, the Thunder look more cohesive and confident. If they replicate even half of their Game 2 intensity and continue to disrupt Jokic, they have the tools to upset Denver once more.
America Bet Score Prediction
Oklahoma City Thunder 116 – 112 Denver Nuggets
A much closer affair than Game 2, but OKC’s ability to control pace and create turnovers may tilt the balance again, even in the high altitude of Denver.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Oklahoma City Thunder Moneyline
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 27.5 Points
- Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 Rebounds
- Total Points Over 226.5
- First Quarter Winner – Oklahoma City Thunder
- Thunder to Win by 1-5 Points
- Jalen Williams Over 15.5 Points
- Both Teams to Score Over 110 Points
- Aaron Gordon Over 5.5 Rebounds
- Michael Porter Jr. Under 16.5 Points
