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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in NBA Cup play. Cleveland enters at 9-8 after a home loss to Houston, while Indiana sits at 3-12 following a win over Charlotte that snapped an eight-game skid. Bettors will weigh the Cavaliers’ rebounding issues against the Pacers’ renewed energy led by Bennedict Mathurin.
Line Movement and Odds
- Cavaliers Spread: -7.5 (-110)
- Pacers Spread: +7.5 (-110)
- Cavaliers MoneyLine: -310
- Pacers MoneyLine: +255
- Total: 229.5
Cleveland opened as a strong home favorite, reflecting Indiana’s struggles and the Cavs’ playoff history in this matchup. See full NBA odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
Donovan Mitchell scored 21 against Houston, including 19 in the fourth quarter, but turnovers and rebounding doomed Cleveland. Evan Mobley grabbed just six boards and shot 4-of-10 from the free-throw line, while Jarrett Allen added seven rebounds but no free-throw attempts. The Cavaliers rank 25th in free-throw percentage (75%), a glaring weakness. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the need to rebound better after allowing 21 second-chance points to the Rockets. Cleveland is 2-2 on its current homestand, needing consistency inside.
Indiana Pacers Outlook
Bennedict Mathurin returned from injury with 25 points against Detroit and followed with 24 points and 12 rebounds in the win over Charlotte. Pascal Siakam added 22, while Jay Huff scored 20 off the bench. Mathurin’s confidence and defensive energy, highlighted by a chase-down block, have sparked Indiana. The Pacers snapped an eight-game skid and aim to build momentum, recalling their playoff upset of Cleveland last spring. Without Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana leans on Mathurin and Siakam for scoring and leadership.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Cavaliers must control the boards and improve free-throw shooting while Mitchell drives offense. The Pacers need Mathurin and Siakam to sustain scoring and Huff to provide bench depth. Rebounding and late-game execution will determine whether Indiana can pull off another upset in Cleveland.
Injuries / Availability
Cleveland lists no major new injuries. For full player status, check the Cavaliers injury report.
Indiana lists Tyrese Haliburton (knee) as out. See the Pacers injury page for latest updates.
Environment
The game tips at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where Cleveland is 6-3 at home. Indiana is 1-7 on the road, seeking momentum after snapping their losing streak. Expect Cleveland’s size to dictate pace, while Indiana leans on Mathurin’s scoring to stay competitive.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Cavaliers 116, Pacers 109
- Best Bet: Cavaliers -7.5
Cleveland’s home-court advantage and rebounding edge point to a cover. - Total: Under 229.5
Our model projects 225 points, leaning under given Cleveland’s defensive adjustments.
Cleveland’s rebounding and Mitchell’s scoring should secure the win, while Indiana’s energy keeps it close. Expect a competitive game trending under the total.
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