Will the Cavs strike back in Game 2?
There was a surprise in Game 1 of this series for our Cavs vs. Pacers tip. Few expected the Pacers to win this game in Cleveland. After all, they had sent the Heat home with a 4-0 series sweep in the first round.
In addition, they won their games in the series by an average margin of 30.5 points – a demonstration of power. But the Pacers are simply one of their bogey teams. The Cavaliers have lost four of their last five home games against Indiana.
Will there be another one on Tuesday? We don’t think so, because the Cavs will make adjustments to their perimeter defense and the Pacers are unlikely to shoot as highly from outside.
The 52.8% shooting percentage was an outlier even by Pacers standards. On average, they shoot only 36.8%, a full 16% less. If that settles down somewhat, our prediction for Cavaliers vs. Pacers is a home win for the Cavs, which would tie the series at 1-1.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Statistics & current form
Where was the dominance of the first playoff round in Game 1 against the Pacers? It certainly wasn’t at the Rocket Arena, where the Cavs failed to show their strengths from the start. They lost the first quarter 25-36, leaving Cleveland trailing behind throughout the game.
That shouldn’t happen again in Game 2, and it probably won’t. The Cavs haven’t lost two home games in a row this season. Their impressive home record after the regular season was 34-7.
Too much rest before the next round
However, something that can often be observed in the playoffs proved to be true. Too long a break between two series can cause you to lose your rhythm a little. That’s always the crux of a clean 4-0 series win.
For Game 2, Cleveland needs to focus on defense. Conceding 121 points at home is too many, especially in the playoffs. The Pacers had far too many easy shots from the three-point line, which led to an outstanding 52.8% shooting percentage from outside.
If the Cavs manage to shift a little better to the outside, which we believe they will, then they will be the big favorites for the second game. We see the Cavs as the hottest bet for Thursday’s Cleveland vs. Indiana game – even with a handicap of up to nine points.
Under points also promising
We see the discrepancy of 23.7% to 52.8% in the three-point odds melting away and returning to the regular season odds. Therefore, in our Cavaliers vs. Pacers tip, the odds on under 210 Pacers points are also an option. This is because, especially in the playoffs, it is rare for a team to put on an offensive fireworks display in two consecutive games.
Key Players:
- PG: Donovan Mitchell
- SG: Sam Merrill
- SF: Max Strus
- PF: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Indiana Pacers – Statistics & current form
The Pacers have achieved their goal and won one of their two away games at the start of the season. Game 2 of the Cavs vs. Pacers series is therefore a “nothing to lose” game for them. However, we don’t think they will win on Thursday.
The Cavs have been too good this season after losses. They haven’t lost two home games in a row, which alone shows that they are capable of making adjustments. In addition to fewer open three-pointers, the Pacers should also expect more resistance under the basket.
Pacers strong under the basket in Game 1
With 41.8 to 45.4, the rebound tally in the regular season was clearly in the Cavs’ favor. In Game 1, however, it ended up 43:43. That was one of the reasons why Indiana ultimately prevailed. They did a good job of neutralizing Cleveland’s strength.
For Thursday, however, we expect at least a 4-5 rebound difference in favor of the Cavaliers. Combined with their weaker three-point percentage, there isn’t much left in the Pacers’ favor. After all, they don’t have an outstanding player like SGA or Jokic on the court.
Avoid betting on the Pacers
A total of six Indiana players scored in double digits in Game 1, with all five starters scoring at least 13 points. That was a tremendous team effort, but one that will be difficult to repeat. On the other hand, no one scored more than 23 points, meaning that the team lacked a clear scoring leader.
That could prove to be their downfall on Thursday if even just one or two players fail to match Sunday’s shooting percentages. So, for Cavs vs. Pacers, our prediction for Game 2 is a clear home win for the Cavaliers.
Key Players:
- PG: Tyrese Haliburton
- SG: Andrew Nembhard
- SF: Aaron Nesmith
- PF: Pascal Siakam
- C: Myles Turner
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The head-to-head comparison in this matchup actually favors the Pacers slightly. Indiana has a 3-1 record this season, winning both games in Cleveland. However, it should be added that the last two games took place on the last three matchdays, when the Cavs were already resting numerous players for the postseason.
However, the Cavs discovered once again on Sunday that the Pacers are a tough team to play against. With their home crowd behind them, they should be able to settle the score fairly quickly in Game 2, which is why we are predicting a somewhat clearer victory.
So, for Cleveland vs. Indiana, a bet on the Cavs is our clear recommendation. You could even go for a handicap of up to -9 or combine it with an under bet. The Cavs will definitely step up their game defensively.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers Tip
Will the Cavs strike back immediately? It would be a huge surprise if Indiana were to steal Game 2 in Cleveland. It would also somewhat negate the Cavs’ magnificent season, but that is unlikely to happen.
We expect a more focused performance at the start, so our number one bet for Cavaliers vs. Pacers is Cleveland -9. Jarrett Allen in particular could show more dominance under the basket, which also makes over 12.5 Allen points an alternative bet.
Another alternative is to bet on under points. The bookmakers have set the bar very high at 229.5, especially considering the lower average number of points in the playoffs. After the defensive meltdown in Game 1, the Cavs’ defense should be able to perform at its usual strong level in Game 2.