Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds March 18

The Pacers finish a homestand tonight

The Indiana Pacers finish up a homestand tonight as the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town. It's the third meeting of the season between the two teams, but it's the first battle since early November. The Pacers are 2-0 in the matchup so far.

Cleveland is a totally different team now. They get up more three-point looks and have proven to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, but they are banged up. Tonight is an opportunity for Indiana to get a win against a shorthanded squad with a good record. They need to take advantage.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

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

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are big favorites as they are currently -7.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 223.5.

Pacers vs Cavaliers Injury Report

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

For the Cavs, Emoni Bates, Ty Jerome, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Isaiah Mobley, Pete Nance, and Max Strus are out. Dean Wade is doubtful.

Key Matchup

Tyrese Haliburton vs Darius Garland: Two of the better point guards in the NBA face off tonight in Haliburton and Garland. They both share a rare combination of passing and shooting abilities, though both players are in different phases of their season. Garland is rolling lately while Haliburton is slumping.

Both players have been All-Stars in the past, so they are both capable of leading their teams to victory. The point guard battle will go a long way in dictating the winner of this duel.

---

• Tyrese Haliburton on his recent three-point shooting for Indiana Pacers: 'It's just a little slump right now'. CLICK HERE.
• Kendall Brown was thinking about an NBA contract all year before earning one with the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Doug McDermott practiced on Friday, he's getting close to a return from a calf injury for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers dominate the paint and cruise to a win over the Brooklyn Nets. CLICK HERE.
• Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
• Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers