NBA Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Game 3 Spread and Prediction

Date/Time:  04-20-2018, 19:00 EDT

Spread: Indiana Pacers -1.5

Total: +208.5

With both teams having won one game apiece in Cleveland, the series goes to Indiana for the next couple of games when the 5^th Pacers (48-34) are hosting the 4^th Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32), who are looking to make a break and regain the lost home court advantage.

Cavaliers had a 50-32 record (32-49-1 against the spread) in the regular season. They finished in the 4^th place of the East and in the second game of this series they ended a 2-game losing skid. Pacers had a 48-34 record (47-35-0 against the spread) in the regular season. They finished in the5^th place of the East and they are 1-2 in their last 3 matches. 

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In Game 2 on Wednesday, the hosts were better prepared and started the game strong but almost blew their big lead for a 100-97 home victory that tied the series to one win apiece. Cleveland got into the game strong and they got an early 15-point lead. The Pacers fought back in the second quarter and with a 15-3 run in that span, they reduced the lead to 4 but could not utilized their strong FG percentage (52.6%) and complete their comeback during any point until the end of the match. Cavaliers were led once against by LeBron James with 46 points and 12 boards, while Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 22 points.

Indiana have won both previous games at home with a 106-102 and 97-95 score. Pacers are 27-14 at home so far this season, while Cavaliers are 21-20 on the road. Cleveland have a better offense with 110.9 ppg to Indiana’s 105.6, while Pacers have a better defense, allowing 104.2 ppg to Cleveland’s 109.9. Cleveland have better accuracy both from the field with 47.64% to Indiana’s 47.23% and from behind the arc with 37.22% to Indiana’s 36.87%. They are also better in assists made, with 23.4 to Indiana’s 22.2, while both teams are almost equal in rebounding (42.3 to 42.1). Expect this to be a close and exciting game and bookmakers give the Pacers a -1.5 spread. Expect them to beat those odds and win once again the Cavaliers at home this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Game 3 Prediction: Indiana Pacers -1.5 (-109)