Introduction
The Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers matchup is an exciting Eastern Conference clash featuring two teams with contrasting styles. The Pacers boast one of the NBA’s fastest offenses, while the Cavaliers rely on elite defense and star power.
Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Years)
| Season | Games Played | Pacers Wins | Cavaliers Wins | Avg. Points (IND) | Avg. Points (CLE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 118.3 | 121.0 |
| 2022-23 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 110.5 | 115.8 |
| 2021-22 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 108.0 | 107.5 |
| 2020-21 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 111.7 | 114.3 |
| 2019-20 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 109.5 | 106.8 |
Key Trends:
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Cavaliers lead 11-7 in last 18 meetings.
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High-scoring games recently (230+ total points in 2023-24).
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Pacers struggle in Cleveland (lost last 3 road games).
Key Players & Matchup Records
Indiana Pacers
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Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
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2023-24 Stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 APG, 48.8% FG
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Vs Cavs (Last 3 Games): 24.3 PPG, 12.0 APG
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Advantage: Elite playmaking vs Cleveland’s guard defense.
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Pascal Siakam (PF) (New trade addition)
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Career vs Cavs: 18.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG (24 games)
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X-Factor: Can exploit Cavs’ weaker forward defense.
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Myles Turner (C)
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Vs Cavs (2023-24): 17.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.7 BPG
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Key Battle: vs Jarrett Allen (struggled in last matchup).
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Donovan Mitchell (SG)
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2023-24 Stats: 27.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.7 APG
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Vs Pacers (Last 3 Games): 31.0 PPG, 45% 3PT
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Advantage: Unstoppable scorer against Pacers’ weak perimeter D.
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Darius Garland (PG)
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Career vs Pacers: 19.1 PPG, 7.4 APG
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Returning from injury – Could be rusty.
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Jarrett Allen (C)
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Vs Pacers (2023-24): 15.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.7 BPG
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Dominates paint – Pacers allow most rebounds in NBA.
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Tactical Breakdown: Pace vs Defense
Pacers’ Game Plan
✅ Run & Gun (NBA’s #1 Pace) – Push transition offense.
✅ Haliburton P&R – Force Cavs’ bigs into switches.
✅ Three-Point Barrage (37.4% as team, 6th in NBA).
❌ Weak Defense (25th in defensive rating).
Cavaliers’ Game Plan
✅ Slow Pace (27th in NBA) – Control tempo.
✅ Elite Rim Protection (Allen & Mobley).
✅ Mitchell Isolation – Attack Pacers’ weak guards.
❌ Inconsistent Three-Point Shooting (35.2%, 20th).
Recent Form & Injury Report
Indiana Pacers (Last 5 Games)
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✅ Win vs MIA (144-129) – Haliburton 20 AST
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❌ Loss vs BOS (129-124) – Siakam 26 PTS
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✅ Win vs NYK (125-111) – Turner 23 PTS
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❌ Loss vs PHX (117-110) – Poor 4th quarter
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✅ Win vs DET (122-113) – Bench stepped up
Cleveland Cavaliers (Last 5 Games)
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✅ Win vs CHI (108-105) – Mitchell 30 PTS
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❌ Loss vs PHI (123-121) – OT collapse
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✅ Win vs MIL (112-100) – Allen 21 REB
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❌ Loss vs ATL (112-101) – Cold shooting
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✅ Win vs BKN (118-95) – Balanced scoring
Injury Watch
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Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin (OUT – Shoulder)
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Cavaliers: Dean Wade (Questionable – Knee)
Game Prediction & Betting Insights
Likely Outcome:
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Cavaliers Win (60% chance) – Home court + defense prevails.
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Pacers Cover Spread (+5.5) – High-scoring game expected.
Best Bets:
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Over 230.5 Points (Pacers’ pace boosts scoring).
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Donovan Mitchell Over 28.5 PTS (Feasts vs Pacers).
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Tyrese Haliburton Double-Double (PTS+AST).
Final Score Prediction:
Cavaliers 124 – Pacers 118
Conclusion: Who Wins Tonight?
The Cavaliers’ defense should control the game late, but Haliburton & Siakam will keep it close. Expect a high-scoring thriller decided in the final 5 minutes.
