Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction 10/27/18

betdsiBasketball, NBA

The winless Cleveland Cavaliers (0-5) welcome the Indiana Pacers (3-2) to Quicken Loans Arena. Action gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 27, 2018, and can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio.

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Odds

In their last game, the Pacers (1.5-point underdogs) covered in a 116-96 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The Cavaliers fell to the Detroit Pistons, 110-103, but did cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The Indiana game finished 1.5 points over the projected point total of 210.5, while the Cleveland game went 3.5 points under the projected point total of 216.5.

The Pacers, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.544, had a fantastic mark of 0.626, while the Spurs had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (above their season average of 7.7). Cleveland, on the other hand, forced Detroit into a turnover percentage of 18.1 (above their season average of 8.5). Larry Nance Jr. played well for Cleveland, putting up 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Indiana, meanwhile, received a boost from Domantas Sabonis, who put up 16 points and 10 rebounds.

This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Cleveland. Since last season, Cleveland ranks 12th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Indiana has forced the second-most turnovers in the league (15.1 percent). Moreover, the Pacers, who rank 25th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.171), could struggle to get to the line against the Cavaliers, who rank fourth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).

Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Pacers are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have finished over the projected point total. Indiana heads into the game with records of 3-2 straight up (SU) and 3-2 against the spread (ATS).

Coinciding with Indiana, Cavaliers games also tend to go over the O/U total (60.0 percent). Cleveland has a superb 3-2 record ATS, despite being 0-5 SU.

The Pacers took this series last year, winning six out of 11 games. In the most recent contest, Cleveland won 105-101. Getting to the free throw line was one of Cleveland’s biggest strengths. They had 40 free throw attempts, while Indiana had just 24.

Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Indiana ranks second in steals per game (8.7) while Cleveland ranks 26th (6.8).
  • The Cavaliers rank third in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Pacers rank 21st (5.1).
  • Indiana ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (22.7) while Cleveland ranks 25th (25.1).
  • Indiana ranks fourth in fast break points per game (15.0) while Cleveland ranks 14th (11.9).
  • The Cavaliers rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.3) while the Pacers rank 26th (24.7).
  • The Pacers rank 12th in points in the paint per game (45.2) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.1).
  • Indiana ranks second in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (15.6).
  • When holding opponents under 100 points, Indiana is 31-5 and Cleveland is 22-6.
  • The Cavaliers are 58-25 when they reach the century mark, while the Pacers are 43-19.
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