LeBron James did everything under his power to make sure that the Cleveland Cavaliers would not fall behind 0-2 to the Indiana Pacers, as he almost scored 50 points in a 100-97 win at home in Game 2 on Wednesday. Can James the Cavs make it two in a row? Or will the Pacers record a win in their first game at home this postseason? At press, the Cavs are 1-point underdogs on the road with the series tied.
No Cavs opponent would want to face a fully-engaged LeBron James, but that’s exactly what the Indiana Pacers got on Wednesday. James played like a 15-foot giant in Game 2, as he was simply unstoppable on the floor, scoring 46 points on a very efficient 17-for-24 shooting to go with 12 rebounds, and five assists in 40 minutes. The problem for the Cavs is that even with James churning out incredible numbers, they only managed to win by three points. James definitely needs help, and he’ll have to see that from the likes of Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood, who combined for only seven points. As great as LeBron is, he can’t score nearly 50 points a game just to tow the Cavs to a close victory. The Cavs will now play the role of the road team for Game 3. They are 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
You have to give it to the Pacers. Despite having to deal with a Godzilla in the form of LeBron James, they were able to stay competitive late in the contest, even having a chance to steal another win in Cleveland. Although they scored just 97 points, they were able to have their way on offense, shooting 52.6 percent from the field with Victor Oladipo pacing the team again with 22 points. Oladipo shot 9-of-18 from the floor and had six assists and two steals. Myles Turner, meanwhile, had 18 markers. Turner should continue to shine against a thin and porous interior defense of Cleveland, which does not have a legitimate rim protector. The Pacers even had 62 mind-boggling points in the paint in Game 2 as against Cleveland’s 30. Expect Indiana to continue attacking the paint and forcing the issue inside against an almost helpless Cavs’ defense in the shaded area. Indiana is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 home games against the Cavaliers.
