The Indiana Pacers executed an impressive comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, largely influenced by controversial officiating decisions. In the closing moments of Game 2, the NBA admitted to two missed lane violations that should have nullified crucial plays. Pascal Siakam's free throw rebound by Aaron Nesmith should have led to a jump ball instead of a dunk that cut the lead to five points. This play also involved Donovan Mitchell, who suffered an injury but returned to finish with 48 points.

Following this sequence, Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning three-pointer was also aided by a missed lane violation, as several Cavaliers players jumped early during his free throw attempt. Despite the NBA's acknowledgment of these critical errors, none of the Cavaliers expressed discontent after the game, which speaks to the often subjective nature of officiating in high-stakes situations.

Donovan Mitchell delivered an electrifying performance in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, showcasing his ability to dominate even when the Cleveland Cavaliers were missing key players. With the Cavs trailing in the series, Mitchell rose to the occasion, scoring 21 points in the first half alone. His highlight was an emphatic dunk over Pacers forward Pascal Siakam that sent shockwaves through the arena.

Despite the absence of teammates Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De'Andre Hunter due to injuries, Mitchell's impact was undeniable. He accounted for a staggering 36 of the Cavaliers' 61 points in the first half, leading to a 61-50 halftime advantage. Mitchell is now tied with LeBron James for having the most 30-point games (three) in the first five games of a postseason for the franchise, a testament to his scoring prowess.

The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the highly anticipated Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Despite the Pacers' favorable 3-1 record against the Cavs during the regular season, it's crucial to note that two of those victories occurred when both teams rested key players. Coach Rick Carlisle expresses confidence in his stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, emphasizing the importance of mindset and performance under pressure. He draws parallels to the Boston Celtics' playoff mentality, highlighting the need for the Pacers to elevate their game as they embark on this critical postseason journey.

The NBA playoffs heat up this Sunday with two thrilling matchups: the Cleveland Cavaliers face off against the Indiana Pacers in the East, while the Houston Rockets battle the Golden State Warriors in a decisive Game 7 in the West. Among the player props, Houston's Amen Thompson stands out as a promising bet, having demonstrated his defensive prowess with eight steals in his last two games. Despite his rising star status, he is listed at +295 to secure three or more steals according to DraftKings.

Pascal Siakam is projected for over 2.5 assists (+104), a solid bet with his playoff average slightly lower than his regular-season performance. The Pacers' fresh legs after a quick first-round series could provide openings for Siakam to exploit. Jalen Green also looks to bounce back in Game 7, with a player prop of over 22.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-110), capitalizing on his regular-season form that saw him average a combined 29.0 PRA.

In contrast, Stephen Curry's prop is set at under 26.5 points (-106), reflecting his recent struggles on the road. Averaging just 20.6 points in his last five away games, the model predicts his performance will taper to 24.9 points for this critical game. As the playoffs progress, savvy bettors should keep an eye on these fluctuating odds for optimal betting opportunities.

Today's NBA DFS slate offers exciting matchups, particularly with a pivotal Game 7 featuring the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, alongside the opening game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. Key players to consider include Donovan Mitchell, expected to shine against the Pacers, especially with Darius Garland likely sidelined. Alperen Sengun has been a powerhouse for the Rockets, demonstrating consistent high fantasy scores against the Warriors. Monitor injury news closely, as it can shift value across your lineups.

For reliable cash game plays, Donovan Mitchell and Sengun stand out, while Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam provide great pivot options. Ty Jerome presents excellent value if Garland remains out. The Pacers' defense struggles against forwards, making Siakam a potential high scorer. Overall, successfully navigating injuries and matchups will be crucial for maximizing your lineups tonight.