Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 11/04/2024, 23:15  by Joseph King | Modified on 11/04/2024 at 23:16 in NBA Predictions

A potentially crucial matchup in the NBA’s Eastern Conference tips off on Friday evening with the fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the sixth-placed Indiana Pacers. With only two games left in the regular season, a number of teams are still jostling for position as they attempt to secure the best seeding possible ahead of the playoffs. The Cavs’ record of 47-33 gives them a slim one-game lead over the Magic and the Pacers, while they also trail the third-place Knicks by just a game as well. There’s likely going to be a playoff atmosphere to this one as these two teams could even wind up being first round opponents depending on how the final two games play out.

Cleveland comes into Friday’s contest off the back of a 110-98 home win over the Grizzlies. Star guard Donovan Mitchell was back in action and showed up with a solid 29 point, eight assist, four rebound performance. It was a desperately needed result for the Cavs as it snapped a three game losing streak and was only their fourth victory in their last 10. They’ll now be hoping to close out the season with three straight wins and will remain at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for the final two games. Cleveland have been excellent this season in front of the home fans with a 25-14 record. The hosts have won their last three in a row on home soil.

The Pacers are currently holding the final automatic playoff qualification seeding and will fight tooth and nail to keep it in these last two games. The consequence, should they be passed by the 76ers, would be a spot in the play-in tournament and the risk of being eliminated from the postseason. Indiana comes into this matchup riding a three-game winning streak following their 140-123 away win over the Raptors. The visitors are in scorching form overall as they have five wins from their last six.