Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers game preview, start time, TV info

The Cavaliers are set to hit the road for a three-game trip away from Quicken Loans Arena, and it won’t be easy. They start off against the red-hot Indiana Pacers. It feels like a long time ago that LeBron used to torture this team in the postseason every single year.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (7-23) vs. Indiana Pacers (20-10)

When: 7:00 pm

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

Enemy Blog: IndyCornrows

TV: Fox Sports Ohio

Online: NBA League Pass

Cavs injuries: Kevin Love (Foot - Out), Tristan Thompson (Foot - Out), John Henson (Wrist - Out), J.R. Smith (Not with team)

Pacers injuries: None to report

Three keys to the game

1. No Breaks on the Bench

The Cavaliers have made something of a habit out of their starters getting destroyed, immediately followed by their weirdo bench units keeping them in games. Against the Pacers, this will be a taller order. Arguably their second-best player, Domantas Sabonis, comes off the bench for Indy. It’s not going to be easy at any point.

2. Larry Nance, Facilitator?

Larry Nance rarely puts up a crazy box score output, but he’s been passing unbelievably well for this Cavs team. He’s had at least six assists in his last three games, and the Cavaliers are finding good offense out of his passing in the high post. It remains very weird that the team refuses to start him. Wear and tear be damned, it’s hard to win when you’re starting Ante Zizic.

3. Pressuring Sexton

Collin Sexton’s handle has been a little looser than advertised this season, and a high-pressure defense like Indy’s can make his life miserable. On the other hand, if he handles it well and uses that pressure to generate good lanes in the pick and roll, he could have a huge night. Really, it’s just up to execution for the Cavs rookie.

Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction

The Pacers are hot right now and they’re way better than the Cavs. Pacers 114, Cavs 102.