The Indiana Pacers are on fire, currently riding a six-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a surprising 108-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, snapping the Cavaliers’ 12-game win streak.
The Pacers’ defense has been solid, holding three of their last four opponents under 100 points. They’ve limited opponents to just 43.6% shooting, with a strong 29.3% from beyond the arc.
However, Indiana’s chances of repeating this feat may be slimmer in their upcoming matchup. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s star playmaker, is doubtful due to hamstring tightness. Without him, the Pacers might struggle to keep up with Cleveland’s high-scoring offense.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Strong Favorites to Bounce Back
Cleveland, despite their loss to Indiana, remains one of the most efficient teams in the league. They have the NBA’s best offensive rating, with a 59.3% effective field goal percentage. They’re lethal from deep, shooting 40.1% from three.
The Cavaliers typically commit fewer turnovers than most, averaging 13 per game. They will be determined to avoid their second back-to-back loss of the season.
Donovan Mitchell, who struggled with just 19 points in the last game, is expected to bounce back. Mitchell has averaged 30.2 points per game in his last 10 meetings with Indiana.
In recent seasons, the Pacers have been one of his favorite opponents. He has even posted a few 40-point performances against them.
With no Haliburton to defend Mitchell, the Cavaliers’ guard could exploit this gap and have a field day. He’s been shooting 49% from the field and over 43% from three in his recent meetings with Indiana.
Cavaliers’ Three-Point Defense Vulnerability
While Cleveland has been impressive overall, one area they could improve is three-point defense. They allow 36.4% of shots from beyond the arc, ranking 21st in the league. In their last three games, this number has jumped to 37.1%. On the road, it’s even higher at 37.3%.
This weakness could play into the hands of Indiana’s Myles Turner. Turner has been efficient from deep, making at least two three-pointers in three of his last four meetings with Cleveland. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc has been an impressive 45% in that stretch.
The Prediction: Cavaliers to Win, but Pacers Have a Shot
Looking at the overall picture, the Cavaliers are still the favorites. Despite their recent loss, they have a much stronger offense and a deeper roster.
Mitchell, in particular, should perform better after his subpar outing. With Haliburton potentially out, the Pacers could struggle to maintain their offensive flow.
Indiana’s defense may be good, but Cleveland’s offensive power should eventually overpower it. The Cavaliers’ shooting and efficiency will be tough to match without Haliburton’s playmaking.
Betting Tips and Odds
For this high-stakes Eastern Conference showdown, here are the odds available on Bangbet:
- Pacers to win: 3.25
- Cavaliers to win: 1.35
While the odds favor Cleveland, the Pacers’ recent form means they’re worth considering if you’re looking for higher returns. However, Cleveland is expected to bounce back strong and take the win.
Final Thoughts
The Cavaliers have the tools to overcome the Pacers and return to their winning ways. Expect Mitchell to step up and show his All-Star quality.
However, if you’re looking to bet, be mindful of the three-point battle, as Turner could make an impact in this area.
Place your bets before the game starts at 3:00 AM Kenyan time on Wednesday, January 15th 2025.
Bet wisely, and may the odds be in your favor!