Still, Cleveland should be considered the favorite to win this best-of-seven matchup, and that's exactly what one NBA expert is forecasting to happen. Steve Aschburner of NBA.com recently published his preview and prediction for the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and believes the Cavaliers will ultimily win this series in six games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers face off in the second round. Game 1 is Sunday, May 4. Here are three keys for the series.

Indiana had the best clutch net rating in the league (20.9, and a 24-14 record) but the Cavaliers were second (18.1, going 26-12 in the clutch). There will be tight games in this series, which team can continue their elite clutch play? —Kurt Helin, NBC Sports lead NBA writer