May 14, 2025 — The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for a critical Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, facing elimination as they trail the series 3–1. With everything on the line in the Pacers vs Cavaliers matchup, the spotlight is firmly on the team’s backcourt: Darius Garland is back in action, while Donovan Mitchell’s status remains uncertain.
Darius Garland, who had been sidelined earlier in the series with a sprained toe, has made his return to the lineup and started Game 5 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. His return comes at a crucial moment for the Pacers vs Cavaliers series, where Cleveland has struggled offensively without their full complement of stars. Garland made a strong impact in Game 4, leading the team with 21 points and 6 assists, demonstrating his importance to Cleveland’s offensive rhythm in this Pacers vs Cavaliers series.
However, the more pressing concern for the Cavaliers in the Pacers vs Cavaliers matchup is the availability of Donovan Mitchell. The All-Star guard sustained a sprained left ankle during warm-ups at halftime in Game 4 and was forced to exit the game after logging just 20 minutes and scoring 12 points. An MRI revealed that Mitchell had reaggravated a prior ankle injury, and he is also managing a calf strain suffered in Game 2 of the Pacers vs Cavaliers series.
Despite the setbacks, Mitchell did participate in the team’s shootaround on the morning of Game 5, offering some hope for a return in this critical Pacers vs Cavaliers game. He has been listed as a game-time decision. Mitchell’s presence could be a game-changer for Cleveland in the Pacers vs Cavaliers series — he has been exceptional throughout the playoffs, averaging 34.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He previously exploded for 48 and 43 points in Games 1 and 2 of the Pacers vs Cavaliers series.
If Mitchell is unable to play in the Pacers vs Cavaliers matchup, the pressure will fall heavily on Garland and other key players like Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to step up. The Cavaliers' probable starting lineup for the Pacers vs Cavaliers game includes Garland, Strus, Mobley, Allen, and potentially Mitchell, pending final evaluation before tip-off.
The stakes are high for the Cavaliers in the Pacers vs Cavaliers series, and they are not only battling the Pacers but also a series of injuries that have hampered their postseason efforts. Beyond Garland and Mitchell, Evan Mobley has also been nursing an injury, making Cleveland's playoff journey even more challenging in the Pacers vs Cavaliers series.
Game 5 of the Pacers vs Cavaliers matchup tipped off with the Cavaliers narrowly trailing the Pacers 67–64 in the third quarter, reflecting a closely contested battle as Cleveland fights to keep its postseason hopes alive.
The outcome of tonight’s Pacers vs Cavaliers game could very well hinge on Mitchell’s ability to take the court. If he does play, the Cavaliers stand a much better chance of forcing a Game 6 in the Pacers vs Cavaliers series. If not, Garland will need to deliver another standout performance to keep their season alive in the Pacers vs Cavaliers matchup. Either way, all eyes are on Cleveland as they look to survive another day in what has become a dramatic and injury-riddled Pacers vs Cavaliers series.
