Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers December 16 Betting Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers (18-11) were able to defeat the Dallas Mavericks their last time out, as they maintain their hold on the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Indiana Pacers (15-14) are coming off a huge win over the Golden State Warriors, as they had been sliding up until that point. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Cavs feature a ton of big names offensively, including Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

However, it’s been their defense that has been the difference maker early on this season, as they’re ranked towards the top of the league in defensive net rating.

“What we do, when we do it right, travels,” Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Defense goes everywhere. With us, our defense sets the tone for everything else we do.”

Bickerstaff is right. Chances are if you play great defense as a team, you can overcome any environment that you’re in. It takes a ton of focus and continuity to be a great defensive team, so given how new a lot of these pieces are, it’s very impressive how well the Cavs have been defensively this season.

Mitchell poured in 34 points to lead the Cavs his last time out to go along with four assists. 

Lamar Stevens contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley added 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jarrett Allen had 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Darius Garland chipped in 12 points and six assists. Caris LeVert came off the bench with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.

When the Cavs get contributions from their stars and most of their role players, good things will happen.

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview

The Pacers are coming off a surprising victory over the Golden State Warriors, as Stephen Curry was putting on a clinic before having to exit the game with an injury.

Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 29 points, six assists and four rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Myles Turner scored 21 points, and Buddy Hield added 17 points.

The Pacers have been struggling recently but have shown signs that they can be a playoff team this season with Haliburton morphing into one of the best point guards in the league alongside their veteran players and other young, talented players.

Odds

The Cavs are favored by a -8 spread, as they’ll be on the road facing off against their divisional rivals.

The Pacers are a hard team to predict, as they recently lost at home to a Brooklyn Nets team missing basically half their roster, but then turn around to beat the Golden State Warriors at home less than a week later.

With that said, expect the Pacers to at least cover the spread and potentially win the game.