Pacers potential playoff opponents preview: Cleveland Cavaliers

By Tony East | Apr 6, 2018

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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 12: Domantas Sabonis /

Pacers Bench vs Cavaliers Bench

This one is weird. LeBron will probably play 45 minutes in every game of this series, and the LeBron James with four shooters unit off the bench is incredibly deadly (remember game three last year?). Jose Calderon, Kyle Korver, Jordan Clarkson, JR Smith, Cedi Osman, Jeff Green, and whoever doesn’t start between Nance and Thompson makes for a talented bench with tons of shooters.

The Pacers reserves have more versatility than Cleveland’s. Cory Joseph could be a difference maker in slowing the Cavs down. Sabonis’ and Booker’s rebounding could be massive in this series (see the “Centers” section). Lance vs LeBron is always something.

But the Cavaliers have the perfect, tailor-made bench to play with the King. They all look great alongside LeBron and every unit they throw out is potent on offense. Even the best possible defensive unit the Pacers have couldn’t stop the LBJ + shooters group, so they would have to outscore them.

The problem? No Pacers lineup, reserves or starters, could outscore that group.

Advantage: Cavaliers.

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