The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing significant pressure as they head to Indiana, trailing the Indiana Pacers 0-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After a strong regular season with 64 wins and a first-round sweep of the Miami Heat, the Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious position, fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

In Game 2, the Cavaliers suffered a shocking defeat when Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers hit a clutch 3-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining. The Pacers closed the game on an 8-0 run in under 48 seconds, securing a 120-119 victory. Despite leading by 20 points earlier in the game, a poor fourth quarter, where they were outscored 36-21, cost the Cavaliers dearly. Donovan Mitchell's impressive performance of 48 points and 9 assists wasn't enough to secure the win, as he appeared fatigued in the final minutes.

Adding to the Cavaliers' challenges, key players Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe), and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) were sidelined due to injuries. Mobley and Hunter were injured in Game 1, while Garland has now missed four consecutive playoff games. The absence of these players has undoubtedly impacted the team's performance and depth.

With the series deficit at 0-2, the Cavaliers face an uphill battle as they head into Game 3 in Indiana. History is not on their side, as only a small percentage of NBA teams have managed to come back and win a series after being down 0-2. To avoid falling into an even deeper hole, the Cavaliers need to provide more support for Mitchell, tighten their defense, and hope for the return of some of their injured players.

Another defeat in Game 3 would put the Cavaliers on the brink of elimination and raise serious questions about the factors contributing to their struggles in the series. The game is scheduled for Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Cavaliers are favored by 2.5 points, with an over/under of 229.5 total points.