Context:

The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by coach Kenny Atkinson, are gearing up for their Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, emphasizing speed and endurance due to both teams' fast-paced playing style. The series will highlight the matchup between Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton, who has been a key offensive player with impressive assists and double-doubles, and Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, who has consistently scored high in the playoffs. Both teams have had time to prepare after winning their previous series, with Cleveland sweeping Miami and Indiana overcoming Milwaukee, benefiting from rest and strategic planning. Cleveland's Darius Garland remains a game-time decision due to a nagging toe injury, but his participation could be pivotal. Despite not having faced each other at full strength this season, both teams are expected to deliver a highly competitive series, with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle urging not to underestimate the potential and passion of these smaller-market teams and their fan bases.

Dive Deeper:

• Cleveland Cavaliers, the top-seeded team, are preparing for a fast-paced semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers, who are known for their quick offense, ranking them seventh in scoring during the regular season. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasizes the importance of endurance and resilience to outpace the Pacers.

• A key matchup in the series is between Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton, who has been delivering a playoff-best performance with 11.6 assists per game and consecutive double-doubles, and Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, who aims to continue his impressive scoring streak, potentially surpassing Michael Jordan with an eighth consecutive 30-point game in a series opener.

• Both teams have capitalized on the time off for preparation with Cleveland sweeping the Miami Heat and Indiana defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, allowing them to rest and devise strategies, especially benefiting from avoiding extended series.

• Cleveland's Darius Garland, dealing with a persistent toe injury, remains uncertain for the series opener, although he has shown positive signs in practice, and his performance could greatly influence the Cavaliers' chances.

• Indiana and Cleveland have not faced each other in the postseason since 2018, nor at full strength this season, leading to unique preparation strategies for the Pacers, who have relied on analyzing previous series footage and anticipating Cleveland's style.

• Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, now second in wins among active coaches after Gregg Popovich, emphasizes the significance of the series, highlighting the passionate fan bases and competitive spirit of both cities, despite their smaller market size.