Pacers vs. Cavaliers forecast, odds, pick, spread

The Indiana Pacers will fight with Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday in Ohio. Here’s the Central Division showdown at RocketMortgage Arena as we continue our NBA odds series and make a Pacers-Cavaliers prediction and pick.

The Pacers lead the series 108-103. It is significant that they split the series in four games last season. Cavs are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Additionally, the Cavs are 4-1 in their last five home games against the Pacers.

Here’s Pacers-Cavaliers NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Pacers-Cavaliers odds

Indiana Pacers: +9 (-108)

Moneiline: +315

Cleveland Cavaliers: -9 (-112)

Moneilines: -400

More: 239 (-110)

Under: 239 (-110)

How to watch Pacers vs. Cavaliers

Time: 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT

TV: FDSO and FDSI

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Pacers could cover the spread/win

Tyrese Haliburton struggled this season, and it’s one of the few reasons the Pacers have gotten off to a slow start this season. In the end, they righted the ship and entered this game 21-18 and currently clinging to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have also won five games in a row and have yet to lose in January. Notably, their wins have come over some solid talent, as they have wins over the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.

Pascal Siakam is still the best player on this team and is averaging 19.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 52.6 percent. Halliburton, meanwhile, has bounced back from his early struggles and is now averaging 18.5 points and 8.9 assists per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field. Benedict Maturin was also good for the Pacers, averaging 16.6 points per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the floor. Likewise, Myles Turner is averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the hardwood.

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If the Pacers want to beat the Cavaliers, they will need more from Siakam and Turner. Basically, they need to figure out a way to win the scrimmage, especially when they will likely be facing Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Pacers must continue to play solid defense, having allowed less than 100 points in two of their past three games.

The Pacers will cover the spread if Haliburton can dish out some good passes while also taking good chances. Next, Siakam and Turner must win the battle and prevent the Cavs from getting a second chance.

Why the Cavaliers could cover the spread/win

The Cavaliers have a lot of depthand that was one of the main reasons why they are holding on to the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Amazingly, The Cavs recently beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to show why they are a team to respect. That’s a big difference from last season’s Cavs, where numerous injuries crippled the team.

Donovan Mitchell is still elite, averaging 22.9 points per game and shooting 45 percent. Meanwhile, Darius Garland is averaging 21 points per game while shooting 50 percent. Mobley is averaging 19 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, shooting 57.4 percent from the field. Also, Allen is averaging 14.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 70.6 percent from the field.

The Cavs also have great depth in Caris LeVert. Notably, he was a huge boom for the Cavaliers, averaging 11.5 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. LeVert hopes to repeat his 18-point night from a few days ago.

The Cavs are the best team in scoring and shooting. However, they struggle on the boards, ranking 18th in rebounding. I strongly believe that this game will come down to who wins the battle on the board. Allen and Mobley need to win their little battles with Turner and Siakam.

The Cavaliers will cover the spread if they can continue to shoot well and get ahead. Next, they have to stop Turner and Siakam from beating them on the boards.

Final Pacers-Cavaliers Prediction & Pick

The Pacers are 19-19-1 against the spread, while the Cavaliers are 26-11 against the odds. Furthermore, the Pacers are 11-11 against the spread on the road, while the Cavs are 8-8-1 against the spread at home. The Pacers are 3-3 against the spread when facing the Central Division, while the Cavs are 4-2 against the odds when facing the East.

The Pacers are hot right now and coming into their own at the right time. However, in front of them is a team that has lost only one game at home. I see the Pacers competing for a while. Still, I see the Cavaliers running away with this one in the late fourth quarter to cover the spread.

Pacers-Cavaliers Finals Prediction and Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers: -9 (-112)