On a Friday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers aim to recover from an 0-2 deficit against the Indiana Pacers as they return home for game three. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets seek to establish a lead in their Western Conference semifinal series. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. This article highlights standout betting opportunities and key player performances that could influence the outcome of tonight's games.

Aaron Nesmith stands out as a pivotal figure for the Pacers. With injuries affecting the Cavaliers' lineup, Nesmith has shown remarkable consistency this postseason. He has surpassed a combined points and rebounds line of 17.5 in six of his seven games, particularly excelling when playing significant minutes. His performance suggests he is well-positioned to exceed expectations once again.

Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers also commands attention. Tasked with increased responsibility due to missing teammates, Mitchell has entered a scoring streak, tallying an impressive 81 points over the first two games. In his past three encounters with the Pacers, Mitchell consistently delivered scores above 30 points, making him a strong candidate to surpass the betting line of 29.5 points.

Russell Westbrook of the Thunder adds another layer of intrigue. Despite a slight adjustment in the betting prop, Westbrook has reliably exceeded a combined points and rebounds total of 17.5 in all playoff games where he played meaningful minutes. Over his last five games, he averaged nearly 18 points and four rebounds per game, reinforcing his reliability for meeting or exceeding this mark.

As fans tune in for these crucial matchups, projections and injury reports provide further context. The Basketball Power Index predicts a close contest between the Cavaliers and Pacers, projecting a slight edge for the Pacers. For the Thunder-Nuggets matchup, the Thunder are favored to secure a victory. Both games feature notable injuries impacting team dynamics, adding uncertainty and excitement to the proceedings.

Beyond individual performances, the collective efforts of each team will determine the outcomes of these pivotal games. Fans can anticipate high-stakes drama and thrilling basketball action as these teams vie for dominance in their respective playoff series.