Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds April 12

The Pacers are in Cleveland tonight

Nov 3, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) shoots while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends. / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers hit the road for a vital game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. It is the final Central Division game for both teams, and there is a ton at stake — the winning team will walk out of the building having clinched a spot in the 2024 postseason field. The loser may have to wait until Sunday.

Cleveland beat Indiana in mid March, and that game took place in Indianapolis. Since then, the Cavaliers have stumbled while the Pacers have been better, but the host's peak level of defense can be tough to crack. Indiana did win the first two matchups this season between the two teams.

"Cleveland is a great environment to play in. It's loud, it's wild. They have great fans, they have a great team. It's one of the ultimate environments," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said on Thursday.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio

Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Ohio

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight underdogs as they are currently +2.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 233.5.

Pacers vs Cavaliers Injury Report

The Pacers listed Bennedict Mathurin (torn labrum) as out. Isaiah Jackson is questionable due to a left hamstring strain. Quenton Jackson, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Isaiah Wong are questionable due to their status on two-way contracts.

The Cavaliers listed Dean Wade and Ty Jerome as out. Sam Merrill is listed as doubtful. Donovan Mitchell is available.

Key Matchup

Myles Turner vs Jarrett Allen: The Pacers and Cavaliers both play unique styles, so the battle of the centers may end up being important. Allen is a terrific paint protector, and Indiana loves to attack the rim, while Turner can space the floor for a team that requires it while also defending well.

During Allen's best games, it's tough to score on Cleveland. During Turner's best outings, Indiana has a terrific, spaced-out offense. If one of the starting centers proves to be the more effective player tonight, their team will have a great chance to win.

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