Indiana Pacers – Cleveland Cavaliers: a tepid playoff rematch
Indiana hosts Cleveland at a bad time. The Pacers are in a dark stretch, a string of losses that sits heavy on heads and on the court. Against a Cavaliers team stronger on paper, the job will be damage control — mainly on defense. Stopping Cleveland’s attack, especially out on the perimeter, is the big ask.
Indiana Pacers: stop the downward spiral 
It’s worrying for the Pacers, stuck on a 12-game losing streak. The last outing, a 127-135 loss to Orlando, laid out their issues. At home the coaching staff are under pressure and have to show something different to stop the rot.
Known for pushing the pace this season, the Pacers may have to ease off. Speeding up against Cleveland would likely just expose their flaws. Especially since the roster is depleted. Mathurin is injured, Toppin is out, and that cuts the offensive options badly.
The likely five is built around Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, with T.J. McConnell coming off the bench. Brave, but thin. Averaging 110,6 points per game, Indiana’s already struggling to keep up. It’s hard to see them matching the Cavs offensively.
Cleveland Cavaliers: favorites despite uncertainties 
Cleveland arrive with a much better record, even if recent performances haven’t always met internal expectations. With a win rate just over 54%, the Cavs can still be shaky against the top teams. Their 110-114 loss to Detroit is a good example.
That said, against opponents on the slide Cleveland usually enforces the pecking order. The win over a Jokic-less Denver (113-108) proves that. One big question for this trip: Donovan Mitchell is being rested.
Without their offensive leader the Cavs could lack consistency, especially from deep. They take a lot of outside shots, but the Pacers defend the perimeter fairly well. Travel could also dull their shooting.
NBA Prediction Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Over 231,5 points
Both teams come in with opposite momentum. The Pacers will fight at home but don’t have the weapons to make a real difference. Cleveland, despite being favorites, must do it without their star and could stumble through messy stretches.
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