Styles make fights. Last year the matchups with the Cavs were always interesting because the teams played polar opposite styles of basketball.

The Cavs started two traditional bigs, played methodical offense in the half-court, and a disciplined style of defense that gave up the fewest threes per game in the league. Conversely, the Pacers played with Aaron Nesmith at the four, ran like their hair was on fire, and helped/trapped/roated on just about every defensive possession.

Over the off-season, however, both teams converged towards the center. After Cleveland's lack of spacing was exposed in the playoffs, it acquired Max Strus and Georges Niang to help modernize the offense. Through two games, 43.7% of Cleveland's shots have been three point attempts, the highest frequency in the league. For reference, 42.6% of Indiana's shots came from beyond the arc against Washington.

Defensively, the Pacers have taken a page out of Cleveland's playbook and focused the game plan on running opponents off of the three-point line. Thus far, Cleveland's opponents have shot 27.7% of their attempts from three (3rd lowest in the league), where as Washington only took 23.2% of its shots from deep (the lowest) against the Pacers. Clearly, there is quite the gap between how many threes the offenses will want to take and how many the defenses will want to give up. Who is winning that battle is something to track throughout the game.

If the defenses capitulate and the game becomes a three-point contest, I'd favor Indiana. Cleveland is coming off a tough contest in OKC last night where, other than Donovan Mitchell, the team was ice cold. Tired legs and poor form might contribute to an advantage for the visitors, who are coming off of two days rest and a historic offensive performance.

Both teams want to run in transition so finishing defensive possessions will be paramount to blunting the opposing attack. Moreover, both teams have the luxury of running opponents off the arc because they have premiere shot blockers protecting the rim. If the bigs for either team get into foul trouble, we could see a shift in the game plan. In fact, Carlisle mentioned that they are prepared to see Niang at 5 at some point tonight.

As always, keep an eye out for the in-game lineup adjustments.

Haliburton is Questionable

Speaking of lineup adjustments, Haliburton missed practice with a stomach bug yesterday and, as of the time of writing, is listed as questionable for tonight. If he's out, the game takes on an entirely different hue. TJ McConnell, whose benching nearly brought Carlisle to tears, may be back in the lineup sooner than anyone expected.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:30 PM ET.

TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

Cavs Injuries Update

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