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The Indiana Pacers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Cavaliers-Pacers prediction and pick.
The NBA trade deadline is behind us. The Indiana Pacers were very active this year as they decided it was best for them to depart with two of their top players. Domantas Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield. The Pacers also traded Caris LeVert to this Cavaliers team, as he dropped 11 in his debut. LeVert will now get the chance to play his former team as he also gets a chance to compete in the playoffs. Both of these teams are heading in opposite directions, so let's get right to the prediction and pick.
Here are the Cavaliers-Pacers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers-Pacers Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers: -6 (-106)
Indiana Pacers: +6 (-114)
Over: 214 (-110)
Under: 214 (-110)
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Why The Cavaliers Could Cover The Spread
The Cavaliers own the best defense in the NBA right now. They are first in the league in points allowed at just 101.9 points per game. Many say defense wins championships but we all know that isn't this sport. The Cavs aren't just a defensive-minded team, however. They don't score a ton of points as they are 23rd in scoring at 106 per game. But the Cavaliers have some big-time scoring options like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. That isn't taking account for Collin Sexton who is out for the season. Caris LeVert is now a Cavalier and he's proven to score 50 in a game before so if this team is fully healthy, then can be one of the best all-around teams in the NBA.
If the Cavs want to cover this spread, they must contain Haliburton and Chris Duarte who is playing well as of late. The Pacers are not going to be threatening many teams, and the Cavs are certainly not one of them. Cleveland defeated the Pacers just a few days ago pretty easily. The Cavaliers are (34-21) on the season which puts them 3rd in the East. They are just 1.5 games out of first in the East so if they win today, they will be just a game outside of the lead. That would be a huge accomplishment for this young team.
Why The Pacers Could Cover The Spread
The Pacers will have a hard time covering this spread. It seems Haliburton will make his debut for the Pacers tonight which should bring some joy to that franchise and fan base. Without their two best players anymore, the Pacers will be heading toward a top-draft pick to prepare for next season. They just don't have the talent right now to be competing in a very competitive Eastern Conference. Indiana is missing some other starters like Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner. Don't expect the Pacers to really compete tonight. They are just 26-27-2 against the spread this season. Meanwhile, the Cavs are 32-19 ATS this season. The Pacers have lost four-straight games and the Cavs have won three straight.
Final Cavaliers-Pacers Prediction & Pick
This should be an easy game to pick. Take the Cavs on the road here as they are an improved team. This should be a low-scoring affair so consider taking the under even though it is at 214 right now.
Final Cavaliers-Pacers Prediction & Pick: Cavaliers -6 (-106) & under: 214 (-110)
