PREVIEW: The Cleveland Cavaliers face their toughest challenge yet as they enter Game 3 down 0-2 against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this Friday. Cleveland's league-leading pick-and-roll offense and fifth-ranked rim attack efficiency have been neutralized by mounting injuries, with stars Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter all questionable for this pivotal matchup. Donovan Mitchell carried the Cavs with 48 points in Game 2, but his heroics weren't enough to prevent a heartbreaking 120-119 loss after Indiana's stunning comeback in the final minute. The top-seeded Cavaliers now find themselves in desperate territory, knowing that no team in NBA history has ever recovered from a 3-0 playoff deficit. The Pacers, featuring the NBA's second-ranked pick-and-roll frequency and transition efficiency, have capitalized on Cleveland's defensive struggles by pushing the pace relentlessly. Indiana's balanced attack saw six players score in double figures during Game 2, with Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner each contributing 23 points while Tyrese Haliburton delivered another clutch performance including the game-winning three-pointer. Despite ranking 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.2%) and allowing the most rim attacks in the league (30th), the Pacers have overcome these weaknesses with their third-ranked three-point shooting efficiency and second-ranked passing. With the series shifting to Indianapolis for a "Gold Out" atmosphere, history favors the Pacers who are 8-0 all-time when winning the first two games of a best-of-seven series.