Cavs face depleted Pacers with postseason positioning, draft odds on the line
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The Cleveland Cavaliers return to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday night aiming to protect their playoff seeding, while the Indiana Pacers arrive primarily concerned with lottery positioning.
Cleveland (48-29) comes in after two days of rest and sits 1.5 games behind the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings. Head coach Kenny Atkinson indicated the club will continue to prioritize long-term health over chasing a single April victory.
Injury lists dominate matchup
The Cavaliers will again be without center Jarrett Allen (knee) and forward Evan Mobley (calf). Guards Sam Merrill (hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (toe) and forward Dean Wade (ankle) are also sidelined.
Indiana’s absences are even deeper. The Pacers (18-59) have dropped 19 of their last 22 games and will miss starters Pascal Siakam (ankle) and Ivica Zubac (rib), along with Aaron Nesmith (neck), Andrew Nembhard (back), T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Johnny Furphy (ACL) and Tyrese Haliburton (achilles). Obi Toppin is listed as probable with a foot issue, and Ben Sheppard is questionable because of a hip injury.
Pacers struggle away from home
Indiana owns a 7-32 road record and has lost five straight away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers are 29-11 at home.
Quick turnaround for Cleveland
Immediately after Saturday’s game, Cleveland will travel to Memphis for a Monday meeting with the Grizzlies, another opponent outside the playoff hunt.
Tip-off in Cleveland is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Source: Hoops Wire
