The Road Warriors series will be highlighting the Indiana Pacers road trips and how they have fared historically in opposing arenas. This time we have a familiar foe to break down.
The Indiana Pacers currently sit at 26-13 and third in the Eastern Conference. They are coming off a loss at the hands of a short-handed Toronto Raptors team, who were without Kawhi Leonard. The Pacers were also without center Myles Turner, who was in the midst of an absolute tear of the East, due to a shoulder injury. Despite the loss, the Pacers are 11-3 in their last 14 games with two of those losses against the Raptors.
According to Land of Basketball, this will be the 207th meeting between the Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers are 39-60 playing in Cleveland, including a win earlier this season. The Cavaliers handed the Pacers their most frustrating loss of the season back on December 18th at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was also the night of a controversial no-call on Larry Nance Jr. on a last second tip-in.
The Cavaliers currently hold the worst record in the NBA at 8-32 and have lost their last nine. The current “Tank for Zion” (in reference to Duke standout Zion Williamson) campaign seems to be in full swing.
With that being said, no game in the NBA is a cake walk, as proven by this very team just a month ago. The Pacers are plagued by injuries to a variety of players. This could very well open the door for playing time for Aaron Holiday, among others. Jordan Clarkson (16.9 ppg) and Collin Sexton (14.7 ppg) lead a very young Cavaliers team that plays close to the competition many nights. Even with the injuries, I can’t imagine the Pacers allowing the Cavs to sneak one past them again. I believe the Pacers learned their lesson the hard way and will be doing everything they need to get the win.
Prediction: Pacers 111 Cavs 98
What’s in Town?
If you’re a fan of comedy, Jeff Dunham is in town this week in Cleveland. Concert wise, Ja Rule will be playing at the House of Blues and Sublime with Rome will be headlining the Hard Rock. Other than that, the usual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is always an option.