The Cavs are two games behind OKC with three to play for the best overall record, so that really isn’t a consideration. I assume Atkinson will play mostly backups against Indy, especially with another game in New York the following night. It might be mutual as the Pacers are pretty much locked into the 4th seed. They’re two games behind the Knicks and up three on Milwaukee. They will probably play their starters just in case the Knicks lose three in a row.
The Pacers are 48-31 overall and 28-10 at home. They have won 13 of their last 16 with the only losses coming to OKC, the Lakers, and Milwaukee - all on the road. They’re playing really well right now.
The Pacers rank 7th in scoring and 17th in scoring defense. They have balanced scoring with Pascal Siakam averaging 20 points, Tyrese Haliburton averaging 19, and Myles Turner and Benedict Mathurin averaging 16 each. Aaron Nesmith, Opi Toppin, and Andrew Nembhard average 12, 11, and 10, respectively, so the Pacers have seven players in double figures. TJ McConnell is right behind at 9 ppg.
The Pacers are very unselfish, ranking 3rd in assists per possession. They move the ball and everybody gets their share of shot attempts. They’re 5th in fast break points per game so expect a lot of running.
The Pacers are not completely locked into a playoff seed yet while the Cavs are, so I expect the Pacers to come out with their normal starting lineup and try to win this game while the Cavs will be giving a lot of minutes to backups. Should be an easy win for the Pacers.
Injury Report
CLEVELAND
Donovan Mitchell - OUT (ankle)
Max Strus - OUT (knee)
Darius Garland - OUT (toe)
Evan Mobley - OUT (rest)
Craig Porter Jr - QUESTIONABLE (illness)
INDIANA
Isaiah Jackson - OUT (achilles)
Ben Sheppard - QUESTIONABLE (toe)