The Indiana Pacers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tip is set for 7:00 PM ET as both teams continue their push toward the playoffs.
Cleveland has locked up the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 63-16 record. Indiana enters at 48-31 and sits fourth in the East. The Pacers have won four games in a row and are trying to catch the Knicks for the third spot. The Cavaliers won the last meeting between these teams on January 14, 127-117.
Pacers Preview – Building Momentum at the Right Time
Indiana has won four straight, including a 104-98 win over the Wizards on Tuesday. Pascal Siakam returned from rest and put up 24 points and 11 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points and six assists and continues to run the offense at a high level.
Siakam leads the team in scoring at 20.6 points per game and also grabs 6.9 rebounds. Haliburton ranks third in the league with 9.6 assists per game. Myles Turner is a strong interior presence with 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game. The Pacers are also getting valuable minutes from Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard on the perimeter.
Indiana leads the NBA in scoring at 122.3 points per game. They rank second in both field goal percentage (49.3%) and three-point shooting (38.4%). They average 28.3 assists per game and take care of the ball, ranking top five in turnovers committed. The Pacers are 28-10 at home and looking to keep their momentum going.
Cavaliers Preview – Top Seed Secured, But Will They Rest?
The Cavaliers clinched the top seed by beating the Bulls 135-113 on Tuesday. They could rest key players with the standings locked, and several starters were already held out in the last game. If they win out, they will tie the franchise record of 66 wins set in 2008-09.
Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 24 points per game but is listed as out with an ankle injury. Darius Garland adds 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, but he is also sidelined with a toe issue. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen form a strong frontcourt duo. Mobley averages 18.6 points and Allen grabs 9.8 rebounds per game. Isaac Okoro and Max Strus will likely see bigger roles.
Cleveland shoots 49.3% from the field and 38.4% from deep, ranking top three in both categories. They allow just 115 points per game and rank fourth in opponent field goal percentage. The Cavaliers are 29-10 on the road and have covered the spread in 46 games this season. Their depth will be tested against a full-strength Indiana squad.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is favored by 9.5 points at home, with the total set at 232.5. The Pacers have more to play for and are riding a winning streak. Cleveland is likely to rest several key starters, giving Indiana an edge.
The Pacers score at a high rate and are 28-10 at home this season. The Cavaliers are a tough team, but without Mitchell and Garland, they could struggle to match Indiana’s pace. Indiana should win and cover the spread.
Pick: Indiana Pacers -9.5 over Cleveland Cavaliers.
Enjoy the game and best of luck!
