In chess, every player starts with the same pieces — equal in number, equal in power. That‘s never the case in sports. Every team is built differently, and success hinges just as much on the pieces as the plan.

The Pacers survived the Bucks and one of the best players in the world. Now they'll face one of the NBA's most balanced teams.

The closing moments of the series included a Haliburton game winner in overtime that will probably play in Pacers highlight reels for years to come. The Cavs, meanwhile, are coming off the most lopsided playoff series in NBA history,

Darius Garland’s toe is still barking, and so are the critics. With Indiana looming, the Cavs face a test of depth, identity, and belief.

Miami Heat forward Kyle Anderson said after his team was swept from the NBA Playoffs that the Cavaliers were a better team without Darius Garland.

Sour grapes? The usual end of series blather? A veiled attack in support of his chastised teammate? A morsel of truth? In the aftermath of Cleveland’s four-game sweep over Miami in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs,