Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds, Picks & Predictions | NBA Betting Preview (Monday, March 18)

Here's everything you need to know about Cavaliers vs. Pacers on Monday, Mar. 18 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today's game.

The upcoming Eastern Conference clash in the NBA between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers is shaping up to be a fascinating encounter.

The Cavs, known for their stringent defense, face off against the Pacers, a team that shown its offensive firepower many times this season. This matchup is not just a test of strength versus strength but also an opportunity for bettors to capitalize on the nuances of both teams' performances throughout the season.

Find my Cavaliers vs. Pacers predictions and betting preview below.

Pick: Cavs +6.5

Pick: Cavs +6.5

Cleveland has carved out a niche for itself with a defense led by Jarrett Allen that ranks third in Defensive Rating and Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) allowed. This defensive prowess, coupled with the Cavs ranking sixth in Defensive Rebounding, underscores a resilience that few teams can boast.

Offensively, they find themselves in the middle of the pack, with a 16th rank in Offensive Rating and 13th in eFG%. Their mediocre Free Throw Rate and Percentage, ranked 23rd, may not turn heads, but their ability to maintain a solid offensive output despite these stats is commendable.

The Cavs' strength lies in their defense's ability to stifle opponents, a key factor that could play a significant role against the Pacers' high-flying offense.

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On the other side, the Indiana Pacers have been nothing short of spectacular on offense, with the second-best Offensive Rating in the league, complemented by a stellar second rank in eFG%. This efficiency is a testament to their balanced attack and ability to minimize turnovers, placing them 10th in the league.

However, the Pacers' defense is their weakness as they languish at 25th in Defensive Rating, with their eFG% ranking 23rd.

The disparity between their offensive excellence and defensive struggles presents a double-edged sword, making their games high-scoring affairs but also leaving them vulnerable to strong defensive teams like the Cavs.

Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, taking the Cavs +6.5 emerges as the best bet for this matchup. This recommendation leans heavily on the Cavs' defense, which not only ranks among the league's best but also has the potential to disrupt the Pacers' offensive flow.

The Cavs' ability to control the paint and limit second-chance points through effective defensive rebounding could be the key to keeping the game within reach or possibly swinging it in their favor. Furthermore, the Pacers' defensive shortcomings offer the Cavs an opportunity to exploit mismatches and maintain their throughout the game, even despite the absences of Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus.

While the Pacers have shown they can score against any team, the Cavs defense provides a unique challenge that could lead to a closer contest than the odds suggest. Take the Cavs +6.5 and expect a close game that the Cavs could take outright if they can limit the Pacers offense enough.

Pick: Cavs +6.5