What To Expect In Tonight’s Pacers Vs. Cavaliers Matchup

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Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their home opener by a final score of 108-105.
Tonight, the Wine and Gold seek their first home win of the season as they host the Indiana Pacers.
Here are four things to expect in tonight’s Central Division contest.
1. Some Notable Absences
Per the NBA’s 6:30 PM ET injury report, the Cavaliers will be without starting center Jarrett Allen (left ankle bone bruise), starting point guard Darius Garland (left hamstring strain), and backup point guard Ty Jerome (right ankle sprain) tonight.
Starting shooting guard Donovan Mitchell is now also out due to right hamstring soreness.
#Cavs Donovan Mitchell is OUT tonight. Caris LeVert will start at point guard in his place.https://t.co/OgyVwxOcmw
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 28, 2023
For the Pacers, All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is now available despite a non-COVID illness.
Tyrese Haliburton (non-COVID illness) is available tonight for the #Pacers. pic.twitter.com/8AeNmVDQX1
— Bally Sports Indiana (@BallySportsIN) October 28, 2023
2. Plenty of Three-Point Attempts
Through their first two contests, the Cavaliers are averaging 44.0 three-point attempts per game, which ranks second in the NBA.
Having only played one game so far, the Pacers are next in line with 43.0 attempts per contest.
3. Cleveland’s Bench to Step Up
With three usual starters out, Cleveland will need their bench to step up in a big way.
Isaac Okoro (14.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.0 SPG) has started the team’s first two games, and Caris LeVert has averaged 14.0 points per game off the bench. Look for Dean Wade to make a strong contribution after his spot start last night.
4. A Tough Night On The Boards
Cleveland has been out-rebounded by an average of 57.0 to 48.0 this season, while Indiana grabbed 51 rebounds in its season-opening win.
For the Cavaliers, Evan Mobley is averaging a team-leading 10.5 rebounds per game while stepping into Jarrett Allen’s usual starting center role.
Cleveland looks to move to 2-1 on the season with a victory over Indiana tonight.

Logan Potosky is an aspiring play-by-play sports broadcaster who, to date, has called approximately 350+ hours of professional, college, and high school sporting events. He is currently the Play-by-Play Broadcaster for the Lake County Captains, the High-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. He graduated from John Carroll University in May of 2023 with a degree in Communication, with a concentration in Digital Media, and a minor in Entrepreneurship.