Two thrilling Game 3 matchups are on deck tonight, and both have major playoff implications. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets, two teams with championship aspirations, face pivotal moments on the road. For the 1-seed Cavs, a win in Indiana would not only regain home-court advantage but signal they’re built for the pressure. For the defending champion Nuggets, it’s all about responding to a humbling Game 2 blowout at the hands of a young and hungry Oklahoma City Thunder squad.
Let’s break it down.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers – Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
The Cavaliers enter tonight’s matchup tied 1-1 with the Indiana Pacers after splitting the first two games in Cleveland. While the Cavs dominated Game 1 with elite defense and physicality, the Pacers made a statement in Game 2, using their pace and perimeter shooting to carve up Cleveland’s half-court defense.
Now the series shifts to Indianapolis, where the Pacers have been electric all season. The Cavs have yet to prove they can win in this building, and with a loud Indiana crowd behind them, Tyrese Haliburton and his squad will be looking to ride that energy to another upset. For Cleveland, the key lies in star guard Donovan Mitchell. He needs to take over offensively while getting help from Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, especially if the Pacers speed the game up.
Prediction: The Pacers ride their home crowd and fast-break offense to a narrow win, taking a 2-1 series lead.
Nuggets vs. Thunder – Game 3 at Paycom Center
The Nuggets were stunned in Game 2 by an explosive Thunder team that played with incredible confidence and intensity in Denver. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, and OKC’s length on defense gave Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets fits all night. Denver now heads to Oklahoma City with something to prove.
For the defending champs, Game 3 is a gut-check moment. Jokic is always a threat for a triple-double, but he’ll need help—particularly from Jamal Murray, who’s been dealing with a nagging calf issue. Michael Porter Jr. also needs to find his rhythm early to space the floor and give Jokic room to operate.
Meanwhile, the Thunder will look to keep the pressure on defensively and continue getting key contributions from young role players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Joe. If they can replicate their Game 2 energy, the Thunder could take control of the series.
Prediction: The Nuggets respond like champions, winning a tight, physical battle and reclaiming momentum.
Final Thoughts
Both Game 3s promise intensity, high-level playmaking, and serious playoff stakes. For Cleveland and Denver, it’s about responding to adversity. For Indiana and OKC, it’s about proving they’re ready to contend now—not in the future.
Tip-off begins at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN—get your snacks ready.
Who do you think is walking away with the wins tonight? 👀🔥
