NBA In-Season Tournament: East Group A Teams & Game Previews

November 3rd: Cavaliers vs. Pacers

To kick off group play, the Cavs and Pacers will be facing off for a second time this season. In the first matchup, the Pacers took down the Cavs in Cleveland 125-113, but Donovan Mitchell did not play for Cleveland. Indiana had no answers for Evan Mobley in the paint who dropped 33 points, 14 rebounds, and made his defensive presence known with three blocks. The Pacers put together a well-balanced offensive effort like they have all year, so in the rematch, I’d slightly lean in favor of the Pacers given what I’ve seen from them. Mitchell’s presence likely makes this game a pick ‘em, but I’ve seen enough from the Pacers offensively to trust them on their home floor given my lack of confidence in the Cavs.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+170)

After winning their season opener, the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped three straight games all at home, drumming up a ton of concern about the leap the Cavs were supposed to take this season. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen have all missed games, but it’s nice to see Evan Mobley already appear to be a Defensive Player of the Year front runner. He’s averaged 2.5 blocks per game. Still, the In-Season Tournament is coming fast and the Cavs don’t look ready. Fade them at all costs until they get everyone back on the court and show us something.

Atlanta Hawks (+500)

The Atlanta Hawks were the definition of average last season, but after a full offseason integrating into Quin Snyder’s system, I was hopeful that we would see the Hawks take a leap in the East. Well, through four games, they look completely average once again. Trae Young has been underwhelming, Dejounte Murray still hasn’t looked like his Spurs’ all-star form still despite a 41-point outing, and the rest of the roster lacks difference-makers even though the depth has improved. At +500, there is a high ceiling with this club in a single-elimination format if Young gets hot.

Indiana Pacers (+550)

The Indiana Pacers were expected by many to improve this season, and they’ve lived up to that bill so far. Tyrese Haliburton is leading the league in assists en route to another likely all-star bid. He's elevating this offense to the league’s best passing team as they're averaging nearly 125 points per game. At +550, I’m high on what I’m seeing from the Pacers and it’s clear they have the offensive firepower to go against anyone.

Detroit Pistons (+1600)

I have to show the Detroit Pistons some love. They’ve been playing really well through four games and I’d be surprised if they didn’t claim one of the East’s final playoff spots come April. Cade Cunningham is balling out and reminding everyone of the player he can be after an injury-riddled 2022 season. Rookie Ausar Thompson may already be one of the league’s best defensive players, Jalen Duren has taken a second-year leap, and Monty Williams has the rest of this young team clicking on all cylinders. Compared to the rest of Group A, the Pistons have been better than Cleveland, Atlanta, and arguably better than Indiana, so at +1600, I will absolutely be sprinkling in some action on them.

November 3rd: Cavaliers vs. Pacers

To kick off group play, the Cavs and Pacers will be facing off for a second time this season. In the first matchup, the Pacers took down the Cavs in Cleveland 125-113, but Donovan Mitchell did not play for Cleveland. Indiana had no answers for Evan Mobley in the paint who dropped 33 points, 14 rebounds, and made his defensive presence known with three blocks. The Pacers put together a well-balanced offensive effort like they have all year, so in the rematch, I’d slightly lean in favor of the Pacers given what I’ve seen from them. Mitchell’s presence likely makes this game a pick ‘em, but I’ve seen enough from the Pacers offensively to trust them on their home floor given my lack of confidence in the Cavs.