NBA Betting Preview: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers

In the final week of the NBA’s regular season, we have an Eastern Conference showdown as the (31-36) Indiana Pacers are on the road to face the (21-46) Cleveland Cavaliers. Coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Washington Wizards, the Pacers will look to rebound against a struggling Cleveland Cavaliers team on Monday night. The Cleveland Cavaliers are (21-46) on the year and are hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night. Depending on what happens in the Bulls vs Pistons game on Sunday evening, the Pacers' magic number to clinch a spot in the Play-in is currently at three games. 

Indiana Pacers Preview: Critical week to make play-in 

The Indiana Pacers fell to 10th place after losing at home to the Wizards on Saturday night. It was a hard-fought game by the blue and gold, but Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal proved to be too much down the stretch. Russell Westbrook made history by tying the late great Oscar Robertson for most triple-doubles in league history at 181. 

While they still hold the 10th spot in the standings, there are a few teams that have a chance to close the gap depending on how this final week goes. Indiana has been the story of the league over the last week as first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren might be let go at season’s end due to his inability to manage a locker room. 

The Pacers have 5 games left to end the 2021 season, with 3 of the 5 being against playoff teams. While this team continues to battle injuries to key players, they know that every game down the stretch is critical to holding on for a shot at the playoffs. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview: Looking to better their lottery standings

The Cavaliers currently sit at (21-46) and hold the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland is based on the numbers, already eliminated from playoff contention. The last time the Cavs won a game was on April 21st, and since the All-star break have only won seven games in total. 

Like the Pacers, the Cavs are dealing with a handful of injuries to rotational players, but with the roster they can throw at Indiana, the Pacers are going to have to be ready. Colin Sexton and Jarrett Allen are two of the premier young players in the league, and finding a way to contain Sexton, who is averaging 24.4 points per game on the season, has to be the main focus.

Pacers vs Cavaliers Preview

While the Cavaliers are eliminated from playoff contention, the rest of this season has been a tryout as the organization gets a closer look at the players they want to build with for the future. With nothing to lose, this team plays with a lot of energy and intensity. Having won their last game back on April 21st, it’s hard to imagine an outcome where the Cavs come out on top. 

The Pacers will rely on their star-studded duo of Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis to help them secure a win on the road. The team has excelled on the road this season and, despite all the injuries, are (19-15) away from Bankers Life. The last time these two teams met, the blue and gold earned a narrow victory 114-111. 

With only five games remaining on the schedule against some of the top teams in the league, this is one of those games the team knows they need to have. Focus and emphasis need to be put on containing Sexton in transition and containing Allen on the glass to prevent second-chance opportunities.