Cavs vs. Pacers: Don’t expect much drama, as both teams eyeing bigger picture

The Cavs are back home, rested, and technically chasing something. The Pacers? Well, they’re chasing ping-pong balls.

But here we are — the Cavs host Indiana after two days off, and let’s just say this one doesn’t exactly scream “must-see TV.”

Indiana enters at 18-59 and has dropped 19 of its last 22. Sure, there have been a few recent wins. Orlando. Miami. Chicago. Fine. But the reigning East champs are firmly in tank mode, especially on the road, where they’re 7-32.

And the injuries? Yeah, about that.

No Pascal Siakam. No Ivica Zubac. No Aaron Nesmith. No Andrew Nembhard. No T.J. McConnell. That’s a lot of production sitting in street clothes. Possibly more, depending on game-time calls.

The Cavs (48-29) aren’t exactly full strength either. No Jarrett Allen. No Evan Mobley. No Sam Merrill. You get the idea.

And honestly? That’s probably by design.

Coach Kenny Atkinson already said it. Big picture. What works. Translation: Don’t go crazy chasing a random April win.

The Cavs are sitting a game and a half behind New York. Maybe that matters. Maybe it doesn’t. The East is on fire anyway. Detroit. Boston. Atlanta. Philly. Everyone’s rolling.

So yeah, this one? Feels like a placeholder.

The Cavs head to Memphis immeditaly after this one for another game Monday. Another opponent not exactly pushing chips to the middle.

Injury Report

CLEVELAND
Jaylon Tyson — OUT (toe)
Dean Wade — OUT (ankle)
Sam Merrill — OUT (hamstring)
Jarrett Allen — OUT (knee)
Evan Mobley — OUT (calf)

INDIANA
Obi Toppin — PROBABLE (foot)
Ben Sheppard — QUESTIONABLE (hip)
Jarace Walker — OUT (back)
Pascal Siakam — OUT (ankle)
Aaron Nesmith — OUT (neck)
Andrew Nembhard — OUT (back)
TJ McConnell — OUT (hamstring)
Ivica Zubac — OUT (rib)
Johnny Furphy — OUT (ACL)
Tyrese Haliburton — OUT (achilles)