The Pacers dropped their fifth game

The Indiana Pacers' objective for the rest of the day on Sunday was clear because the Chicago Bulls had defeated the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the day. A victory would have maintained their chances of making the play-in round, while a defeat meant their season would end on April 9 without any postseason basketball. As the blue and gold faced up against the Cavs in Cleveland, there was a lot on the line. They were also without Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner despite dealing with such serious situations. They were still trying to win while still learning.

The group got the game going with the proper vigour. The Pacers defence made some stops, rookie player Bennedict Mathurin was productive early, and Andrew Nembhard kept the game moving. The Pacers tied the game at the end of the first quarter despite being much smaller.