Cleveland Cavaliers Game Tonight: Cavs vs Pacers Odds, Starting Lineup, Injury Report, Predictions, TV channel for Dec 16

Last season the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers were ships passing in the night, as the Cavs put together a breakout season and the Pacers had their worst season in decades. This year the Pacers have rebounded quickly and are 15-14 this year behind excellent play from point guard Tyrese Haliburton and two-way center Myles Turner. They just swept the season series against the Golden State Warriors.

The Cavs are coming off of a two-game Texas trip that paired a shocking one-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs with a beatdown of Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Donovan Mitchell is rolling and Jarrett Allen has been excellent since returning from injury, but Darius Garland once again is struggling to shoot on the road. Thankfully, the Cavs return home tonight.

Betting odds, spread, over/under

The Cavaliers are a monster at home and Vegas has caught on, so despite the Pacers playing well recently they are significant underdogs in Cleveland tonight. The Cavs are favored by 7.5 points over at WynnBet, and the over/under point total is 223.

Cavs injury report

Dean Wade (out, shoulder); (Ricky Rubio (out indefinitely, knee); Dylan Windler (out indefinitely, ankle)

Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup tonight

Cavs: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Lamar Stevens, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Buddy Hield, Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner

Prediction

The Pacers have a number of really solid players in the lineup, but it all starts with Tyrese Haliburton. The third-year guard is one of the league’s best pick-and-roll players and leads the league in assists with 10.6. Indiana is creative in how it structures things around Haliburton, from pick-and-pop actions with Myles Turner to downhill attacks and plenty of off-ball movement to free up the Pacers’ shooters.

Unfortunately for Indiana, the Cavs have a pair of versatile bigs that will make things very difficult for the Pacers. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will wall off the paint, and they are not afraid to defend in space against stretch bigs. Donovan Mitchell will probably get the first crack at slowing Haliburton.

On the other end of the court limiting turnovers will be key for the Cavs. If the lightning-quick Pacers can get out in transition they become that much more dangerous. If the Cavaliers protect the ball the Indiana defense can be exploited and it’s very likely Mitchell, Darius Garland or both have big games.

Prediction: Cleveland 114, Indiana 105

CAVALIERS (-7.5), UNDER

What channel is the Cleveland Cavaliers game on?

Despite the exciting matchup between two good Central Division teams, tonight’s game will be on local television networks. Bally Sports Ohio, Bally Sports Indiana and Bally Sports Midwest should cover things for local fans, and NBA League Pass will cover the rest. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers live stream

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Cleveland Cavaliers next games and schedule

Sat, Dec 17 – Cavs vs Mavericks

Mon, Dec 19 – Cavs vs Jazz

Wed, Dec 21 – Cavs vs Bucks

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change