How Well Do the Indiana Pacers Matchup With the Cleveland Cavaliers?
By William Furr
Kyrie Irving vs Jeff Teague
Kyrie Irving is one of the best ball handlers and scorers in the NBA, and as long as he’s healthy, he’s going to win the point guard matchup against most players.
Jeff Teague is no different here. Teague’s defense has been… okay… since joining the Pacers, but nowhere near the level needed to slow down Irving.
Kyrie’s going to get his points, and he’ll probably go off at least once for a big game. This matchup isn’t absurdly lopsided though, because Irving’s defense is atrocious. He’s been a net negative on the road, and playing at home isn’t a magic salve for his defense — it just boosts his offense.
The arrow goes squarely Irving’s way on this matchup, but Teague should still be able to get to the cup and distribute as normal. If Teague can have a big game or two, that will help keep this matchup close.
We’re assuming both are healthy here, by the way. Irving has been dealing with knee tendonitis, and Teague sprained his ankle in Game 82