Indiana Pacers (22-18) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (33-5)
Game Info: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Betting Odds: Indiana Pacers +7.5 -- Over/Under: 229 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Indiana Pacers (22-18) are set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers (33-5) on January 14, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This matchup comes just two days after the Pacers ended the Cavaliers' 12-game winning streak with a 108-93 victory in Cleveland.
In that game, Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 19 points, while Pascal Siakam added 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Pacers have been on a roll, winning six consecutive games and improving their defense significantly during this stretch. However, they may face a challenge if Tyrese Haliburton, who left the previous game at halftime due to left hamstring tightness, is unavailable.
The Cavaliers, despite the recent loss, maintain the best record in the NBA and possess a potent offense, leading the league with an average of 122.1 points per game. Their core lineup, featuring Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, has been instrumental in their success.
Pascal Siakam Over 19.5 Points
Pascal Siakam has been a key offensive player for the Indiana Pacers during the 2024-25 NBA season. He’s averaging 19.9 points per game, ranking 37th in the league. In addition to his scoring, Siakam contributes 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 52.6%. Notably, on January 11, 2025, he logged 25 points (12-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt) and 11 rebounds in a game against the Golden State Warriors. His consistent scoring and versatility have been instrumental in the Pacers' offensive strategies this season.
There's a good chance that Tyrese Halliburton won't play in this game which means Pascal Siakam will need to step up and be the main scorer for this Pacers team. We've seen Siakam clear this line in three of his last four games and had a solid outing in his last game when he played the Cavs. In what should be a close and competitive game I'll put my trust in Siakam to have a decent night scoring the ball.
Darius Garland Over 20.5 Points
Darius Garland has been an offensive machine for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s averaging 21.0 points per game, ranking 30th in the league. In addition to his scoring, Garland contributes 6.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.0%.
We've seen this Cavs team spread the ball around a bit more as of late rather than just relying on Donovan Mitchell to do most of the scoring. Just a few nights ago we saw Garland have a 40-point performance against the Toronto Raptors. He followed that up with a 20-point game against this same Indiana Pacers team. Garland is fully capable of getting over this number and in a game where the Cavs will be looking to get some Revenge I expect them to have a good night scoring in the ball.
Evan Mobley Over 9.5 Rebounds
Evan Mobley has been a consistent presence on the boards for the Cleveland Cavaliers during this season. As of January 13, 2025, he is averaging 8.8 rebounds per game, ranking 21st in the league. In addition to his rebounding, Mobley contributes 19.0 points and 3.1 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 57.4%. Notably, on January 3, 2025, he recorded a double-double with 34 points and 10 rebounds in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, leading the Cavaliers to their ninth consecutive win.
Evan Mobley has been doing it all for this Cavs team as of late. In his last three games, he’s cleared this number of 9.5 rebounds with ease. I don't see him slowing down in this matchup going against this Pacers team that puts up a lot of shots and plays at a fast pace. He'll have plenty of opportunities to secure boards throughout this game.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
