Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: Injury Report, Starting 5s, Betting Odds & Picks - December 16 | 2022-23 NBA Season
The Cleveland Cavaliers will open up a six-game homestand with their first matchup against their divisional rivals, the Indiana Pacers. Both teams will be looking for a second straight victory after dispatching a Western Conference foe on Wednesday.
Last season, Cleveland swept Indiana, with Darius Garland scoring 41 points in the final matchup. But this is a new year, and so far both teams seem better than they were a year ago.
We'll see if the Pacers have caught up to the Cavaliers, or if Cleveland's improvements will keep them above Indiana on the court.
Get up to $1,250 back when you make your first bet at Caesars Sportsbook
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Match Details
Fixture: Indiana Pacers @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Date and Time: Friday, December 16, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
Indiana should be getting small forward Chris Duarte (ankle) back soon, but for now, he's still rehabbing in the G-League. Center Daniel Theis (knee) and shooting guard Kendall Brown (leg) don't have a timeline yet and are already ruled out for this game also.
Cleveland has three players ruled out for tonight's game. Point guard Ricky Rubio (knee) will be out alongside forwards Dean Wade (shoulder) and Dylan Windler (ankle).
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds
Odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
Get up to $1,250 back when you make your first bet at Caesars Sportsbook
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Starting 5s
Pacers - PG: Tyrese Haliburton, SG: Andrew Nembhard, SF: Buddy Hield, PF: Jalen Smith, C: Myles Turner
Cavaliers - PG: Darius Garland, SG: Donovan Mitchell, SF: Lamar Stevens, PF: Evan Mobley, C: Jarrett Allen
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers have excelled at home this year, jumping out to a 12-2 this season. Their point differential at home is +146, good for an average margin of +10.4 at home. They are also the best defensive team in the league, only allowing 104.6 points per game. With Donovan Mitchell healthy again, Cleveland's offense is back to being productive enough to take advantage of their elite defense almost every night.
An area that Cleveland should have a significant edge in is rebounding. The Pacers are 26th in rebounds per game and 27th in opponent rebounds allowed per game.
The Cavaliers hold opponents to the second-fewest rebounds per game in the NBA. Their stout defense combined with limiting Indiana's potential second-chance points should be able to carry them to another victory over the Pacers.
Prediction: Cavaliers -8.0 (-110)
Get up to $1,250 back when you make your first bet at Caesars Sportsbook