While still with a shorthanded lineup as the injury list remains lengthy, the Indiana Pacers were more competitive than expected on Friday night, falling just short in their upset bid against division mates Chicago Bulls which entered the contest owning the best record in the Eastern Conference. They were led by Caris LeVert, who dropped a sizzling 42 points, and undrafted rookie Terry Taylor, who logged a 21-point,14-rebound double-double.
Now back on the road, the Pacers head to Cleveland for their second meeting against the upstart Cavaliers for the first time this season. One of the most feel-good stories of the season, the young Cavs have asserted themselves in the playoff race, currently sitting at fourth place in the suddenly jampacked East.
On the season, the Pacers are 6-20 on the road and 8-25 against the East while the Cavaliers are 16-9 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and 18-11 against conference foes. Indiana ranks 16th in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating while Cleveland sits at 17th and third, respectively, on the same departments.
Pacers at Cavaliers Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
The latest odds from WynnBET (sign up with this link) have the Cavaliers as -6.0 favorites at home against the visiting Pacers. Cleveland stands as a -260 moneyline favorite while Indiana is currently a +210 moneyline underdog.
The over/under for this contest has been set at 215.0.
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup Tonight
SF: Justin Holiday
PF: Torrey Craig
C: Terry Taylor
SG: Chris Duarte
PG: Caris LeVert
Pacers Injury Report
Isaiah Jackson (ankle) and Myles Turner (foot) remain out while Domantas Sabonis (health and safety protocols), Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles), and Goga Bitadze (foot) are listed as game time decisions. Meanwhile, TJ McConnell (wrist) and TJ Warren (foot) remain without a timetable to return.
Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
Cleveland has routinely feasted on undersized teams this season with their unconventional three-big lineups, which have further made them a more suffocating point-preventing team, ranking third overall in defensive rating. Indiana, which has been running a compromised lineup on the nightly due to injuries, could be in for a lot of trouble on the offensive end.
Led by first-time All-Star Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs’ youth movement has already been ahead of schedule. Against the vulnerable Pacers, look for them to overpower the visitors, especially inside, as they cruise to a relatively easy win at home.
For the trade onlookers, watch out for Caris LeVert, who is reportedly on Cleveland’s radar as the deadline inches closer.
Pacers 103, Cavaliers 112
Make your pick now on WynnBET.
What channel is the Indiana Pacers game on?
Sunday’s contest will air on Bally Sports Indiana (Indianapolis) and Bally Sports Ohio (Cleveland) and will tip off at 6 PM ET.
Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers Live Stream
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Pacers Next Game and Schedule
Indiana heads to Atlanta before going back home to tussle with Cleveland and Minnesota prior to a road showdown in Milwaukee.
Feb. 08 @ Atlanta
Feb. 11 vs Cleveland
Feb. 13 vs Minnesota
Feb. 15 @ Milwaukee