Cavaliers face uphill battle against Pacers after free throw struggles
The Cleveland Cavaliers enter their matchup against the Indiana Pacers under the weight of recent disappointments. After trailing by as much as 22 points in their last game against the Houston Rockets, the Cavaliers rallied late but ultimately succumbed to a 114-104 defeat. This loss dropped the Cavaliers to a 2-2 record during their current six-game home stretch, raising questions about their performance under pressure.
Struggles of the Pacers
As the Cavaliers look to bounce back, they will host a Pacers team reeling from a challenging season. With a dismal 2-13 record, the Pacers are grappling with the absence of their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined for the entire season due to a knee injury. This significant blow has left the team struggling to find its rhythm, particularly as they search for the kind of standout performances that propelled them to the NBA Finals last year.
Despite the adversity, Indiana recently secured a much-needed victory against the Charlotte Hornets, which could serve as a catalyst for further success. Pascal Siakam remains a key figure for the Pacers, showcasing solid performances even without strong supporting players. However, the return of Bennedict Mathurin has injected some life into the lineup, as he leads the team in both points and rebounds after making a noticeable impact in his first four games back.
Cavaliers’ Free Throw Woes
The Cavaliers’ recent woes can be traced back to issues at the free-throw line and foul trouble. Evan Mobley displayed his caliber as a potential Defensive Player of the Year in the loss to the Rockets, yet his performance at the charity stripe was dismal—missing six of ten attempts. The team was also out-rebounded 51-39, surrendering 16 offensive boards, a stat that has become a glaring concern for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Donovan Mitchell continues to shine, averaging 30 points per game and scoring an impressive 19 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter of the last game. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers’ struggles extend beyond Mitchell’s scoring prowess. Mobley acknowledged the team’s deficiencies, particularly their ranking of 25th in free-throw percentage and 21st in rebounding.
Injury Report and Game Details
As the Cavaliers prepare for the Pacers, both teams face notable injury challenges. The Pacers will be without Haliburton, along with Obi Toppin and several others, while the Cavaliers have their own concerns, including Max Strus and Sam Merrill. Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Jaylon Tyson are all listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to their lineup.
Probable Starting Lineups
Pacers
Andrew Nembhard
Bennedict Mathurin
Ben Sheppard
Pascal Siakam
Isaiah Jackson
Cavaliers
Darius Garland
Donovan Mitchell
De’Andre Hunter
Evan Mobley
Jarrett Allen
Game Predictions and Betting Odds
As the Cavaliers prepare to take on the Pacers, they are favored by 13.5 points, with an over/under set at 237.5. While the Cavaliers are searching for consistency, they possess a more balanced lineup compared to the struggling Pacers. If they can capitalize on their advantages in rebounding and free-throw shooting, this matchup could offer an opportunity for the Cavaliers to regain their footing and build momentum as they move deeper into the season.
