With the news that starting power forward Kevin Love would be sidelined for at least six weeks following knee surgery, the Cleveland Cavaliers held their own in a 116-108 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday. The Cavs play host to Indiana tonight in the final game before the extended all-star break, and sportsbooks opened the wine and gold as 6-point chalk with a total of 218.
The Pacers will be hoping fatigue hits Cleveland in the second half of their back-to-back, as Indiana has dropped four straight heading into this one. The teams have split the season series, but the Cavs took the most recent matchup last week in a 132-117 triumph. Sharpshooter Kyle Korver made eight of nine 3-pointers in that contest.
Without Love in the fold, Cleveland has been getting contributions all across the board – once again proving they have one of the deepest benches in the Association. Channing Frye stepped up against the Wolves by recording 21 points and 10 rebounds, while superstar LeBron James posted 25 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds of his own. The Cavaliers have won six of their last seven games and have scored an average of 122.6 points per game in that stretch.
When these teams get together, it’s the Pacers who are cashing spread bets. Indiana is 8-1 ATS in the past nine meetings between the Eastern Conference foes.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Cleveland Cavaliers installed as -6.5-point favorites in this particular NBA matchup. The over-under betting line for the total number of point scored was listed by most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook, at 218.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 117-103 win for the Cavaliers. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 38-16 so far on the NBA season, and 25-27-2 ATS vs the spread betting line. The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, are 29-26 and 25-30 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Cleveland go 32-21-1 and the Pacers go 30-25 on the total. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cleveland vs Indiana injuries news.
According to the betting Power Rankings at Odds Shark, it's the No. 11-rated Cleveland Cavaliers and the No. 18-rated Pacers in this NBA basketball matchup.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Indiana Pacers rank No. 27 in the league with 41.38 per game. That compares with Cleveland's No. 9 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Cleveland is the NBA's No. 2-ranked team at 13.04 per game, while the Indiana Pacers rate No. 25 with 8.35 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Paul George scored 27 points for Indiana on Monday, but the Spurs managed a 110-106 victory over the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Minnesota was victimized for 25 points and 14 assists by LeBron James as the Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 116-108 in NBA action on Tuesday.
Next Betting Matchups
Indiana home to Washington, Thursday, February 16th
Cleveland home to New York, Thursday, February 23rd