Cavs vs Pacers Thursday Prediction | NBA Picks Today, Best Bets
John Canady
Host · Writer
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set for an Eastern Conference showdown with the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. With the No. 1 seed in the East clinched for Cleveland, the Cavs are expected to rest their top players as they gear up towards what they hope to be a deep postseason run. Meanwhile, the Pacers look to protect their home court regardless of who’s on the opposing side with their five-game winning streak on the line.
Cavaliers vs Pacers
- Location: Gainbbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Where to Watch: TNT/truTV/Max
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Spread: Pacers -9.5 | Total: 232.5
- Moneyline: Pacers -420 | Cavaliers +320
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Cavaliers vs Pacers Best Bet: Pacers -9.5
Cleveland enters this game with most of their reserves set to get a chance to shine as rest for their top guys becomes a priority. However, that doesn’t mean the Cavaliers won’t put forth their best effort to try and steal a game on the road. Meanwhile, the Pacers are technically still fighting for seeding in the Eastern Conference, although it’s hard to envision a scenario where they lose the No. 4 seed. Assuming Indiana still comes out swinging looking to make a statement, I can easily see this game becoming a blowout, especially with how dominant they’ve looked over their recent winning streak.
Cavaliers vs Pacers Best Total Bet: Under 232.5
At their best, there’s no denying that both of these teams could easily turn any showdown into an offensive shootout that would surpass the 232.5 point set total, especially with how each team has been playing down the stretch. However, this matchup won’t have the same playoff intensity as previous battles for obvious reasons. I like the chance this game ends in a one-sided scoring affair with a final score of 119-103 looking like a realistic outcome.
Cavaliers Best Player Bet: De’Andre Hunter 20+ Points +140
De’Andre Hunter joined the Cavaliers at the trade deadline in February as Cleveland felt he could be a key to help them get over the hump in the postseason. Since arriving, the Virginia product has been solidified in a bench role for the Cavs. Still, with the team shorthanded, the forward will likely see an increased workload, which means increased opportunities. Hunter has proven throughout his career that he has the talent to explode for 20+ points on any given night, and I like the chance he does that tonight.
Pacers Best Player Bet: Pascal Siakam OVER 19.5 Points +100
Pascal Siakam has been the Pacers’ driving force on offense this season, averaging 20.4 points per game. The versatile forward’s role is so significant in Indiana’s offense that the ball often touches his hands every trip down the court. Assuming he takes advantage of the Cavs’ shorthanded roster, I can easily see Siakam being aggressive and scoring 20+ points.
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