8 points, 9 seconds
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Pacers potential playoff opponents preview: Cleveland Cavaliers

By Tony East

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball while defended by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball while defended by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 6: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 6, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Center matchup: Myles Turner v Tristan Thompson/Larry Nance

My guess before writing this would have been that Larry Nance will get the starting nod for Cleveland. However, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported just yesterday that Cavaliers Head Coach Ty Lue will have to decide between starting Nance or Tristan Thompson. Thus, we will look at both. Sorta.

For Turner specifically, Thompson is probably a more challenging matchup. Nance is a high effort guy who makes countless winning plays on both ends of the floor. Nance can defend in space better than TT, and while neither can shoot from deep, Nance is more useful around the perimeter on offense.

So why is TT a bigger challenge for Turner? Rebounding. He can grab every miss on both ends of the floor. The Cavs probably don’t win the 2016 finals without the extra possessions he gets them on the glass.

Turner has grown into one hell of a player. He can protect the rim and stretch the floor. That’s where he can take advantage of Thomspon, he can extend the floor and make TT defend him in space. But Thompson can kill him on the glass and give the Cavaliers high-powered offense more possessions. That is a recipe for disaster.

If Thompson starts, the rebounding battle becomes a key to the series. Turner is slightly better and can take advantage of both Thompson and Nance in many areas. But pulling down boards is important. In terms of talent, Turner wins. In terms of impact on this series… I’m not sure.

Advantage: Nobody.

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