With the NBA Trade Deadline finally over, the Indiana Pacers now have a more solid vision toward the future considering the bevy of moves they made. Having parted with some of their biggest names to get a new infusion of youth and upside, fans now have something to look forward to as the franchise recalibrates itself to commit to a new era of Indiana basketball.
Now led by Tyrese Haliburton, their premium prize of the deadline, the Pacers will look to showcase their new players at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which just defeated Indiana four nights ago with a furious fourth quarter comeback.
Aside from Haliburton, this game will also mark the Pacers debut of Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson. Jalen Smith, another one of Indy’s new acquisitions, is questionable for this contest.
On the season, the Pacers are 13-15 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and 8-27 against the East while the Cavaliers are 16-12 on the road and 19-11 against conference foes. Indiana ranks 19th in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating while Cleveland sits at 16th and second, respectively, on the same departments.
Pacers vs Cavaliers Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
The latest odds from WynnBET (sign up with this link) have the Cavaliers as -7.0 favorites on the road against the Pacers. Cleveland stands as a -290 moneyline favorite while Indiana is currently a +230 moneyline underdog.
The over/under for this contest has been set at 214.5.
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup Tonight
SF: Chris Duarte
PF: Oshae Brissett
C: Goga Bitadze
SG: Buddy Hield
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
Pacers Injury Report
Myles Turner (foot) remains out and will not return to play until after the All-Star break. Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles), Isaiah Jackson (ankle), and new addition Jalen Smith are listed as game time decisions. Meanwhile, TJ McConnell (wrist) and TJ Warren (foot) remain without a timetable to return. Ricky Rubio, acquired in the Caris LeVert trade, is out for the season.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Pacers should come into this with a lot of energy, especially with the home crowd rallying behind the newcomers. Look for Haliburton to dazzle at the Fieldhouse in his Indiana debut against the Cavaliers.
That being said, the Pacers still have a shorthanded roster, especially on the frontcourt. With Cleveland playing its best basketball of the season, look for them to pull away late and win on the road in a low-scoring contest.
Also, former Pacers Caris LeVert, acquired by the Cavs not too long ago, will ironically return to the Circle City on the opposing bench. Watch out.
Pacers 100, Cavaliers 108
Make your pick now on WynnBET.
What channel is the Indiana Pacers game on?
Friday’s contest will air on Bally Sports Indiana (Indianapolis) and Bally Sports Ohio (Cleveland) and will tip off at 7 PM ET.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Live Stream
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Pacers Next Game and Schedule
Indiana hosts Minnesota prior to a road showdown in Milwaukee and a home game against the Washington on the second night of a back-to-back, their final contest before the All-Star break.
Feb. 13 vs Minnesota
Feb. 15 @ Milwaukee
Feb. 16 vs Washington