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.
