Cleveland has won two games in a row, with the latest coming in blowout fashion over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Indiana will be playing without three of their starters (George Hill, Paul George, Roy Hibbert), but they're coming off a 98-83 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (7-7)
G Kyrie Irving – 20.9 ppg, 4.8 apg
G Shawn Marion – 5.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 7.2 apg
F Kevin Love – 16.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg
C Anderson Varejao – 10.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg
Indiana Pacers (7-9)
G Donald Sloan – 12.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg
G Rodney Stuckey – 13.1 ppg, 2.4 apg
F Solomon Hill – 11.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg
F David West - 18.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg
C Ian Mahinmi - 5.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg
What to watch for:
Cavs' Offense vs. Pacers' Defense
Cleveland is one of the best offensive teams in the league, while Indiana is one of the best defensive teams. Despite the Pacers' depleted roster (thanks to a multitude of injuries), they still rank fifth in the NBA in points allowed per game (94.4). On other other hand, the Cavs average just under 103 points a game. It's a definite contrast of styles, and who ever is able to control the tempo of the game will likely come out on top.
Will Cleveland match Indiana's effort?
Indiana is going to give the Cavaliers their best shot as they look to make a statement to the rest of the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has been playing with a target on their back all year, so this is nothing new to them - but they have to be careful not to take playing a wounded team for granted. The Cavs have to play with as much intensity as they did against the Wizards earlier this week to get the win.
Prediction: Cavs win 102-90
Indiana's defense will keep them in the game in the first half, but they just don't have the talent to keep up with Cleveland after all the injuries. The Cavs will pull away in the second half and win comfortably.
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