The Indiana Pacers rattled the Cleveland Cavaliers cage in shock in Game 1, but the Eastern Conference top seed can return to winning ways in Tuesday’s showdown.
Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 2 Preview
Naturally, the Cavaliers bounced back in Game 2 tonight and are a huge favorite to level up the series with the Pacers.
Cleveland was defeated in Game 1 as Darius Garland’s absence proved to be a thorn on the side.
The injury issue may continue for the Cavaliers who may face the prospects of both Evan Mobley and Deandle Hunter defensive players who missed the game with issues that had been hit Sunday.
Indiana jumped out of Gates with a 36-25 lead in the first quarter, and despite Cleveland’s trimming that led to six by the end of the first half, they couldn’t lay up alongside their opponents.
The Cavaliers took a one-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Pacers’ fighting loomed core was too strong for the core led by Tyreese Halliburton and Andrew Nenbird.
Indiana reached the Eastern Conference Finals last year and was at the unfortunate end of the most competitive sweep of all time when it sent packages from the Boston Celtics in that series.
They boasted a deep, talented and active group tailored to postseason basketball, and after a quick dispatch of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, the Pacers couldn’t bear high confidence.
In the last five in-person meetings, Indiana has made Cleveland better four times, so it’s no surprise that the hosts will return to form on Tuesday.
Watch: Cavaliers vs Pacer Game 1 highlights
Cavaliers vs Pacers injury report
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury
G Darius Garland (Toe; Out), F Evan Mobley (Ankle; Suspicious), F de’andre Hunter (Thumb; Suspicious)
Indiana Pacers injuries
f. Isaiah Jackson (Achilles; Out)
Which TV channel is the Cavaliers vs. Pacers?
Tonight’s Cavaliers vs. Pacer Game 2 will air nationwide on TNT.