For the Indiana Pacers, fresh off dispatching the Knicks, the next challenge looms large: a heavyweight bout with the East’s top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a matchup dripping with intrigue, pitting Indiana’s high-octane offense against Cleveland’s stifling defense.

As this series tips off Sunday night in Cleveland, all eyes inevitably turn to the engine that makes the Pacers go – Tyrese Haliburton. His health, his rhythm, his ability to orchestrate that beautiful chaos on offense – it’s everything for Indiana. After navigating some bumps during the regular season, the question heading into Game 1 is simple but crucial: Is Hali ready to roll against the Cavs’ formidable backcourt?

Pacers Injury Report Looks Clean; Cavs Dealing with Key Question Mark

Good news, Pacers Nation: Tyrese Haliburton is officially good to go for Game 1. There were no lingering concerns following the first round, and he carries no injury designation into this series opener. Having their floor general fully available from the jump is absolutely massive for Indiana, especially heading into the hostile environment of Rocket Arena. His playmaking and shooting are the keys that unlock everything for Rick Carlisle’s squad.

Beyond Haliburton, the Pacers boast a remarkably clean bill of health for this stage of the playoffs. The only player listed is Isaiah Jackson, who remains out with the Achilles tear that sidelined him for most of the year. This means Carlisle will have his full rotation available – Nesmith’s shooting, Nembhard’s defense, Siakam’s isolation scoring, Turner’s floor spacing and rim protection – providing crucial depth against a tough Cavs team.

The same can’t necessarily be said for Cleveland. While superstar Donovan Mitchell is ready, the status of his backcourt partner, Darius Garland, is murky. Garland is listed as questionable with the toe sprain that kept him out of the final two games of their first-round sweep against Miami. If Garland can’t go or is limited, it’s a significant blow to Cleveland’s offensive creation alongside Mitchell, and puts immense pressure on guys like Max Strus and Caris LeVert (if he plays significant minutes) to pick up the slack. It also potentially simplifies Indiana’s defensive assignments early in the series.

Beyond Availability: Key Battlegrounds for Pacers vs. Cavs

While Haliburton’s availability is paramount, this series will be decided by more than just who’s on the court. The four regular-season meetings (which Indiana won 3-1) offer clues, but take them with a grain of salt. Haliburton only played in two of those games and didn’t finish one, while Mitchell also missed two matchups. We haven’t truly seen these teams clash at full strength consistently.

One key battleground will be the three-point line. Indiana thrives on pace and space, but shot just 32% from deep against the Cavs in the regular season, well below their season average. Against Cleveland’s twin towers (Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, the reigning DPOY) clogging the paint, the Pacers need to knock down outside shots to keep the offense flowing and create driving lanes for Haliburton and Siakam. If those threes aren’t falling, Cleveland’s defense could absolutely suffocate them.

Rebounding will also be huge. Indiana actually outrebounded Cleveland in their regular-season matchups (48.5 per game), a trend they desperately need to continue. Giving up second-chance points to a team like Cleveland is a recipe for disaster. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam have to battle relentlessly on the glass against Allen and Mobley.

Ultimately, this series likely comes down to the star guards. Haliburton orchestrating, probing, and hitting timely shots versus Donovan Mitchell’s explosive scoring and ability to take over games. Mitchell averaged his usual 24 points against Miami in round one; Haliburton needs to match that level of impact, not just with scoring but with his elite playmaking (think 10+ assists per game).

Stealing Game 1 on the road would be a massive statement for the Pacers, shifting the pressure immediately onto the top-seeded Cavs. With Haliburton healthy and ready to lead the charge, they have a real shot to do just that. Buckle up, this one should be good.