Cleveland Cavaliers face mounting frustrations amid three-game losing streak
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at a crossroads. Following a disappointing defeat against the Boston Celtics, the team has now dropped three consecutive games, prompting a wave of discontent among players regarding the challenges of this season. Tonight, they have an opportunity to turn things around as they face off against the struggling Indiana Pacers.
Pacers looking to build momentum
The Pacers, currently sitting at 4-16, have recently found some rhythm, winning two straight games after a dismal start that saw them at 1-13. Pascal Siakam has been a beacon of hope for Indiana, striving to lead the team to victories. However, with a focus on securing a high draft pick, the Pacers may be more concerned about their long-term future than immediate success.
Earlier this season, the Cavaliers defeated Indiana by 11 points, but notable performances from Siakam and rookie Andrew Nembhard kept the game competitive. The return of Ben Mathurin adds another layer of offensive capability for the Pacers, and they are now eager to capitalize on their recent success.
Cavaliers grappling with late-game struggles
For the Cavaliers (12-9), tension is brewing in the locker room following Evan Mobley’s missed shot that could have sent the recent game into overtime. Mobley revealed that a miscommunication led to Darius Garland not taking the final shot, with the Celtics executing a different play than expected. This misstep echoes previous late-game blunders, including a buzzer-beater dunk by Andrew Wiggins that left the Cavaliers unprepared defensively.
As they face the Pacers, the Cavaliers are on a quest for answers. They must quickly identify the issues plaguing their performance if they hope to salvage the remainder of the season.
Game details and injury report
Fans can catch the Cavaliers vs. Pacers matchup tonight on the FanDuel Sports Network at 7:00 p.m. However, both teams are dealing with injuries that could impact their lineups.
Cavaliers injury report:
Max Strus (foot) – out
Sam Merrill (hand) – out
Jarrett Allen (finger) – out
Larry Nance Jr. (knee) – out
Pacers injury report:
Tyrese Haliburton (achilles) – out
Obi Toppin (foot) – out
Aaron Nesmith (knee) – out
Johnny Furphy (ankle) – out
Quenton Jackson (hamstring) – out
Kam Jones (back) – out
Projected starting lineups
Cavaliers:
Donovan Mitchell
Craig Porter Jr.
Jaylon Tyson
De’Andre Hunter
Evan Mobley
Pacers:
Andrew Nembhard
Ben Sheppard
Bennedict Mathurin
Pascal Siakam
Jay Huff
Cavaliers vs. Pacers: What to expect
The Cavaliers are favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 233.5. This matchup presents a unique challenge for Cleveland, as they face a Pacers team that’s not the same one they faced earlier in the season. A notable factor in this game will be the performance of Jay Huff, the Pacers’ center, who currently leads the NBA in blocks. He will likely aim to neutralize the impact of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
As the Cavaliers navigate a back-to-back situation, the absence of Darius Garland remains uncertain. If he is unable to play, Cleveland’s bench guards will need to step up and facilitate plays for their teammates.
With the pressure mounting, a loss could prompt the Cavaliers to reconsider their roster or coaching strategies as they strive to regain their footing in the season.
