Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Timeline
Let’s be honest, when people think about iconic NBA rivalries, the Pacers vs Cavaliers might not be the first one to come to mind. But maybe it should be.
This matchup isn’t driven by coast-to-coast media hype or decades of finals drama. It’s built on grit, evolving talent, and some of the closest head-to-head records in NBA history. And that’s precisely what makes it so good.
When these two Central Division teams face off, it’s more than just a game, it’s a battle for bragging rights between two cities with rich basketball roots and no shortage of passionate fans. Whether it’s Reggie Miller and Brad Daugherty in the early days or Tyrese Haliburton and Donovan Mitchell today, the energy has never dipped.
In fact, the rivalry has become one of the most underrated storylines in NBA history, with playoff-level intensity showing up even in regular season matchups. From buzzer-beaters to double-overtimes, this rivalry continues to surprise—and deliver.
How Did the Pacers and Cavaliers Rivalry Start?
The rivalry dates back to 1976, the year the Pacers joined the NBA after the ABA–NBA merger. Since then, the two teams have faced off more than 200 times, regularly meeting as divisional foes in the Eastern Conference.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, the games were competitive but not yet classified as a true rivalry. That changed when stars like Reggie Miller for Indiana and Mark Price for Cleveland gave each team a face and an attitude. Still, the heat really turned up in the 2000s and exploded in the LeBron James era, particularly during the playoffs.
Although the teams aren’t constant title contenders at the same time, their timelines often intersect at fascinating moments, making their matchups unmissable for fans who appreciate defensive battles, intense momentum swings, and rising stars finding their spotlight.
What Do the All-Time Stats Reveal About Their Head-to-Head Matchups?
One look at the numbers, and it’s clear: this isn’t a lopsided affair. These teams have been neck-and-neck for decades, which is rare in NBA rivalries.
| Category | Indiana Pacers | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Total Games Played | 4715 | 4457 |
| Wins | 2411 | 2109 |
| Losses | 2304 | 2348 |
| Win Percentage | .511 | .473 |
| Average Points Scored | 105.4 | 101.9 |
| Playoff Appearances | 38 | 25 |
| Finals Appearances | 7 | 5 |
| Championships | 3 | 1 |
In their direct head-to-head history, the Pacers slightly edge out the Cavaliers:
| Match Type | Pacers Wins | Cavaliers Wins |
| Regular Season | 111 | 106 |
| Playoffs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 121 | 116 |
That’s about as close as rivalries get. And considering both teams have had very different highs and lows, it’s impressive how evenly matched they’ve remained.
How Did the 2025 Season Impact the Rivalry?
If 2025 proved anything, it’s that this rivalry is very much alive and possibly heating up more than ever.
The Pacers and Cavaliers met six times in the 2025 regular season, and the results were dramatic:
| Date | Winner | Score | Venue |
| Dec 1, 2025 | Cavaliers | 135–119 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Nov 21, 2025 | Cavaliers | 120–109 | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
| Apr 13, 2025 | Pacers | 126–118 (2OT) | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
| Apr 10, 2025 | Pacers | 114–112 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Jan 14, 2025 | Cavaliers | 127–117 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Jan 12, 2025 | Pacers | 108–93 | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
Indiana and Cleveland split the season series 3–3, but each win came with context. The Pacers’ April wins, particularly the 2OT thriller and the narrow 2-point victory, showcased resilience, strategy, and poise under pressure.
What Happened in the April 10, 2025 Game Between the Pacers and Cavaliers?
Arguably the most thrilling regular season game of the year, the Pacers hosted the Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 10, 2025, in front of 17,020 fans. Indiana won 114–112 in a game that came down to the final minute.
Key Stat Highlights:
| Team | FG% | 3P% | Rebounds | Turnovers |
| CLE | 44% | 46% | 50 | 11 |
| IND | 46% | 34% | 46 | 10 |
Player Standouts:
- Ty Jerome (CLE): 24 points, 9/16 FG, 2/2 FT
- Tyrese Haliburton (IND): 23 points, 8/16 FG, 3/4 FT, 9 assists
Despite being out-shot from beyond the arc, the Pacers made up for it with better execution in the paint and fewer turnovers.
How Has Star Power Shaped This Rivalry?
Every era of this matchup has had its key protagonists, and they’ve defined the tone of the rivalry.
In the past, it was Reggie Miller vs the world for Indiana. Cleveland had its own legends, like Brad Daugherty and later, Zydrunas Ilgauskas. But the rivalry truly intensified with the emergence of LeBron James, who led Cleveland through a dominant era that repeatedly blocked Indiana’s playoff aspirations.
Today, the next generation of stars has taken the reins:
- Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton is fast becoming the league’s top playmaker. His leadership, court vision, and composure are revitalizing Indiana’s identity.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell brings a scoring explosion and clutch performances, while Darius Garland controls tempo and gets teammates involved.
These matchups are no longer just about stats, they’re becoming personal showdowns, and fans love it.
How Do the Pacers and Cavaliers Compare Statistically?
Beyond wins and losses, the overall statistical comparison reveals just how close these franchises have been.
| Metric | Pacers All-Time | Cavaliers All-Time |
| FG% | .463 | .458 |
| 3P% | .352 | .359 |
| Free Throw % | .762 | .751 |
| Rebounds per Game | 44.8 | 43.2 |
| Assists per Game | 23.4 | 23.4 |
| Points per Game | 105.4 | 101.9 |
The numbers speak volumes. Indiana shoots slightly better overall and scores more, but Cleveland is more accurate from three. Even assists and rebounds are nearly identical, reinforcing how tightly matched these two teams are—even across decades.
What’s the Future of This NBA Rivalry?
Looking ahead, both teams are on exciting trajectories. The Cavaliers are building around a dynamic trio of Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley, while the Pacers are finding consistency and creativity under Haliburton’s leadership.
With each team having made significant front office moves and focusing on youth development, it’s not unreasonable to expect another playoff showdown in the near future. Given their current balance and competitive tension, it could be one of the best rivalries of the next NBA era.
FAQs About the Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Rivalry
When did the Pacers and Cavaliers first face off in the NBA?
The first official NBA matchup happened in 1976 after the ABA–NBA merger, with Indiana joining the league that year.
What is the total head-to-head record?
As of 2025, the Pacers lead the all-time regular season record with 111 wins to the Cavaliers’ 106. Their playoff record is tied 10–10.
Who won the most recent Pacers vs Cavs game?
The most recent game on April 10, 2025, was won by the Pacers 114–112 in a nail-biter.
What is the biggest playoff moment between these teams?
The 2018 seven-game series where LeBron James carried Cleveland to victory is considered the most iconic.
Which players dominate this rivalry today?
Tyrese Haliburton for Indiana and Donovan Mitchell for Cleveland are the modern faces of this clash.
Are both teams in the same NBA division?
Yes, both teams are part of the Eastern Conference’s Central Division.
Is this rivalry considered elite in the NBA?
While not as storied as Lakers-Celtics, it’s one of the most balanced and underrated rivalries in the league.
