The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference showdown on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Both teams are eager to extend their winning streaks and enhance their standings in the NBA.
Indiana Pacers Preview:
The Pacers (21-18) have been in exceptional form, winning their first five games of 2025 by double-digit margins. Tyrese Haliburton has been a standout performer, scoring 25 points and adding 10 assists in their recent 108-96 victory against the Golden State Warriors. Haliburton has surpassed 20 points in four of his last five games and registered three double-doubles during the winning streak.
Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin have also been instrumental in the Pacers’ success. Siakam recorded 25 points and nine rebounds against the Warriors, while Mathurin posted 21 points and 10 rebounds, marking his seventh double-double of the season. With a balanced offensive attack and solid defense, Indiana looks to continue their winning momentum.
Cleveland Cavaliers Preview:
The Cavaliers (33-4) are off to a historic start, boasting a 12-game winning streak and the best record in the NBA. Darius Garland has been phenomenal, scoring a season-high 40 points in their recent 132-126 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Garland’s performance was crucial as Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s leading scorer, was rested.
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have been key contributors for the Cavaliers. Allen posted 18 points and 15 rebounds against the Raptors, while Mobley added 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Cleveland’s offense ranks among the best in the league, leading in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage.
Key Matchup:
The showdown between Tyrese Haliburton and Darius Garland will be pivotal in this game. Both guards have been leading their teams in scoring and playmaking. Additionally, the battle in the paint between Pascal Siakam and Jarrett Allen will significantly impact the outcome, as both players contribute heavily on both ends of the court.
Historical Context:
The Pacers and Cavaliers split their four-game season series last season. This will be the first of four meetings between them this season, with another game scheduled in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Historically, Indiana holds a slight edge, leading the all-time series 108-103.
