If the playoffs started today, tonight's opponent would be the Pacers' first round matchup. Though we know the Cavs well (we've played and beat them three times including the preseason), the last time we faced them was Nov. 3rd. As such, both teams have changed in the interim and tonight will be a preview of how they stack up against each other currently. Well, it would be a good measuring stick, if Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were suiting up. Still, the Cavs are used to playing without their stars and are formidable without them.
The Pacers beat the Nets in their last outing to remain the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The win guaranteed the team a winning record at home for the season, a feat that Pacers fans took for granted for over 30 years but has been elusive as of late.
The #Pacers have officially started a streak.
— Eddie Garrison (@EddieGarrison_) March 17, 2024
With tonight's win, the Pacers are guaranteed a home winning record for the first time since the '19-'20 season.
That was the final year of 31 straight seasons with a home winning record.
Against the Nets, the Pacers did not shoot well but received enough of a boost from Pascal Siakam that it didn't matter.
Move to 9-19 when they fall below this threshold, with three of the wins coming in the last week.
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) March 17, 2024
This isn’t a game that the Pacers would’ve won earlier this season, largely because they didn’t have Siakam earlier this season. Just a workhorse performance from him. https://t.co/Bkm5hGHVeX
Siakam did a little bit of everything – and a lotta bit of some things – on his way to yet another double-double.
Pascal Siakam showcased his versatility in last night's effort, recording his 11th double-double of the season with a team-leading 28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists & 3 steals.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 17, 2024
"He's a phenomenal player to have, a phenomenal person to have on our team." pic.twitter.com/IMutM7NHhB
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Pacers fans, however, was his defensive impact. All year the scouting report has been the same: the Pacers can score but they can't defend. League scoring is down on the whole since All-Star but for the Pacers there seems to have been a real shift. Perhaps it's out of necessity since Tyrese Haliburton is no longer conducting the offense like Leonard Bernstein, but the ability to win games with defense is a necessary trait if the Pacers hope to make post-season waves.
"Defensively he had his best game...Proud of him."
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 17, 2024
Coach Carlisle praised Pascal Siakam's performance in the win. pic.twitter.com/ebTaDaJT9E
Tonight is a great opportunity for the team to flex its defensive chops again. Cleveland ranks 22nd in points per possession over the last two weeks and 18th on the year. Especially without Mitchell, the Cavs will want to grind out the game. Earlier in the year the Pacers beat Cleveland with speed and offensive execution. Perhaps tonight we'll see them beat the Cavs at their own game. One can hope.
Injuries
I haven't seen an injury update on McDermott at the time of writing. However, the Cavs have enough ink on their report for both teams.
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Max Strus, Ty Jerome, Pete Nance, Emoni Bates and Isaiah Mobley are out for the #Cavs against the Indiana Pacers.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) March 17, 2024
Dean Wade is doubtful due to his sore right knee.
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.
TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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