Cavaliers Host Struggling Pacers in Sunday Showdown

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers look to solidify their postseason positioning when they host the lowly Indiana Pacers on Sunday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The Cavaliers (48-29) enter the contest having won eight of their last 11 games, including a 118-111 victory at Golden State on Thursday. They sit comfortably in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Conversely, the Pacers (18-58) own the league’s worst record but are coming off one of their best performances of the season, a 145-126 road win over Chicago on Wednesday. Indiana has lost 10 of its last 13 games overall.

A key matchup will feature Cleveland’s All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell against Indiana’s emerging rookie Ethan Thompson. Mitchell is averaging 24.3 points over his last 10 games, including a 42-point outburst against Orlando on March 24. He scored 25 points with six rebounds in the win over Golden State.

Thompson, the Pacers’ recent first-round draft pick, is coming off a career-high 24-point, five-assist effort in the win at Chicago. His playing time and production have fluctuated, but he represents a bright spot for Indiana’s future.

The Cavaliers have dominated the season series, winning all three meetings. They most recently defeated the Pacers 120-116 in Indianapolis on Jan. 6. Cleveland has averaged 125.0 points in those victories.

For Cleveland, Jarrett Allen provides a consistent interior presence, posting a double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) last time out. Max Strus, who scored 24 points against the Warriors, offers perimeter scoring support.

Indiana will rely on forward Pascal Siakam, who had 25 points against Chicago, and guard Kobe Brown, who added 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists in that victory.

The Cavaliers continue a busy stretch, traveling to Memphis for a game Monday. The Pacers return home to face Minnesota on Tuesday.

Sunday’s tipoff is set for 6 p.m. EDT.