The Cleveland Cavaliers are the hottest team in the NBA having won 18 of their last 20 games, and are coming off an impressive 110-99 win over the Golden State Warriors.
The Indiana Pacers have won three of their last four games, but are trying to rebound after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (37-22)
G Matthew Dellavedova – 4.3 ppg, 2.8 apg
G J.R. Smith – 12.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg
G Iman Shumpert – 6.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg
F Kevin Love – 16.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg
C Timofey Mozgov– 10.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg
Indiana Pacers (23-34)
G George Hill –13.5 ppg, 3.9 apg
G C.J. Miles – 12.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg
F Solomon Hill – 9.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg
F David West – 12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg
C Roy Hibbert – 10.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg
What to watch for:
How will the Cavs play without LeBron James and Kyrie Irving?
Head coach David Blatt announced Friday afternoon that LeBron James would sit out of tonight's game for rest, and point guard Kyrie Irving did not fly with the team to Indiana so he can have a MRI on his shoulder he hurt against Golden State Warriors. Missing both All-Stars will undoubtedly hurt Cleveland and they're going to need everyone to step up for them to win this game.
Cleveland's Intensity
The Cavs are playing the second game of a back-to-back, and they were extremely invested emotionally in their victory over Golden State. Teams usually come out flat playing two games in a row as it is, but there could be an emotional hangover from last night's win.
Indiana will come out swinging since they're looking for a win over one of the best teams in the league, and Cleveland better be ready to fight. If not, the Pacers could pull the upset
Prediction: Pacers win 98-87
Cleveland will be far from the same team with James and Irving, and I expect the Pacers to take full advantage.
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