The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-5) seek their first win when they clash with the Indiana Pacers (3-2) at Quicken Loans Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 27, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Ohio.
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction
In the Pacers’ last game, they blew out the San Antonio Spurs, 116-96, as 1.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (212) came in just over the O/U total of 210.5. Indiana’s 0.626 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over San Antonio, who had a rate of 0.437. The Pacers’ mark was above their season average of 0.544, while the Spurs’ was below their season average of 0.522. Indiana received a boost from Domantas Sabonis, who put up 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in their last game, 110-103, but were able to cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (213) finished under the projected point total of 216.5. Detroit’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Pistons had 13 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Cavaliers had seven and 30, respectively. With 11 points, six rebounds and five assists, Larry Nance Jr. had a solid game for Cleveland.
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Cleveland. Since last season, Cleveland ranks 12th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.2 percent), while the pesky defense of Indiana has forced the second-most turnovers in the NBA (15.1 percent). Furthermore, the Pacers, who rank 25th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.171), will face off against the Cavaliers, who rank fourth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).
Indiana comes into the game with records of 3-2 straight up (SU) and 3-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Pacers are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have finished over the total.
Cleveland is 3-2 ATS, despite being 0-5 SU. Games including the Cavaliers also tend to finish over the projected point total (60.0 percent).
The Pacers won six out of 11 meetings against the Cavaliers last season. In the most recent contest, Cleveland won 105-101. Cleveland did a great job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (31-40; 77.5 percent). Indiana, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 11.6).
Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
When holding opponents below 100 points, Indiana is 31-5 and Cleveland is 22-6.
The Cavaliers are 58-25 when they reach the century mark, while the Pacers are 43-19.
Indiana ranks second in steals per game (8.7) while Cleveland ranks 26th (6.8).
The Cavaliers rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.3) while the Pacers rank 26th (24.7).
Indiana ranks second in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (15.6).
The Cavaliers rank third in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Pacers rank 21st (5.1).
Indiana ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (22.7) while Cleveland ranks 25th (25.1).
The Pacers average 45.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks 12th in the league. The Cavaliers rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.1).
Indiana ranks fourth in fast break points per game (15.0) while Cleveland ranks 14th (11.9).
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