Monday, March 18th, 2013 at 7:00 PM EDT at Quicken Loans Arena
Game Preview: IND at CLE
Scott Agness | March 16, 2013
Matchup
The Pacers make their final trip of the season to Ohio as they go against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. At 22-43, the Cavaliers have the third-worst record in the NBA. Recently, they’ve lost three of their last four and six of 10.
The Cavs have had some luck go against them. One week ago, point guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder) was declared out for three to four weeks. His injury, coupled with the loss of Anderson Varejao (knee, then blood clot) for the season has made things extra-difficult in Cleveland.
Update: West a Game-Time Decision »
Dion Waiters has been outstanding in his first NBA season, averaging 15 points and three assists per game. He’s scored at least 20 points in each of the last three games and six of eight overall. Waiters leads all rookies in points, assists and steals per game. Forward Tristan Thompson, who’s recorded a double-double in five of his last seven games, will be their other focal point.
The Cavs are second in the NBA in second-chance points per game (15.4). Recently, they’ve taken care of the basketball – averaging an NBA-low 12.5 turnovers per game since Jan. 14.
Probable Starters
George Hill
Lance Stephenson
Paul George
David West
Roy Hibbert
Shaun Livingston
Dion Waiters
Alonzo Gee
Tyler Zeller
Spencer Hawes
Injury Update
Pacers: Danny Granger (out, left knee), David West (game-time decision, back)
Cavs: Wayne Ellington (game-time decision, left lateral ankle sprain), Kyrie Irving (out, left shoulder sprain), Anderson Varejao (out, vastus medialis split/surgery)
Noteworthy
- The Pacers have won the last four meetings, including two in a row at the Q.
- Cavs guard Dion Waiter was named the Kia NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in the month of February.
- Kyrie Irving and Paul George played together on the East All-Star squad, the first appearance for either player.
- Tyler Hansbrough and Tyler Zeller each played at UNC; Kyrie Irving and Miles Plumlee each went to Duke.
- Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott played for the Pacers from 1993-95.
Last Meeting
The Pacers shot 68 percent from the floor in the third quarter and also used two double-digit runs to build a comfortable lead, which they’d hold on to for a 99-89 win in Cleveland on Dec. 21. David West scored 11 of his 15 points in the third to spearhead those runs. It was the Pacers’ fourth straight win over the Cavs.
Roy Hibbert had a game-high 18 points and Gerald Green added 14 off the bench. Kyrie Irving scored a quiet 17 points, Tristan Thompson had 12 points and 13 rebounds and Indiana native Tyler Zeller chipped in 12 points in his second-career start. Thompson and Tyler Hansbrough got into a scuffle, exchanged words and a double technical was handed out.
Broadcast Information | Find Local Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Austin Croshere (analyst), Brooke Olzendam (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: FM 107.5/AM 1070 The Fan, Pacers Radio Network - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Michael Grady (host)
Next Home Game
Tickets are available for the Pacers' next home game, Tuesday night vs. Orlando, which features the Two for Tuesday ticket offer. Find Tickets »