The Cleveland Cavaliers have found team chemistry at the right time. Currently climbing the ranks of the Eastern Conference by winning 18 of their last 20 games, the Cavaliers are fresh off a win against the NBA-leading Golden State Warriors. However, the only road block they have hit in recent weeks is road games against the Indiana Pacers. Looking to avoid their 10th consecutive road loss against Indiana, the two teams face off on Friday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been nothing short of dominating over the past month. On a four-game win streak, they are beating opponents by an average of 19.0 points. Their most impressive win came against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night where LeBron James put up 42 points and 11 assists while Kyrie Irving added 24 points. However, the win might have come at a price. Irving did not make the trip to Indiana after exiting the game with a shoulder issue. It is uncertain just how severe the injury is, but the point guard might miss time just as the Cavaliers are finding momentum.
The Cavaliers have been beaten just twice since mid-January and one of them came by way of the Indiana Pacers. The loss snapped a season-high 12-game win streak where they were beating teams by 11.1 points per game. The Pacers currently sit tied for the worst record in the Central Division coming off a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They did have four players get into double figures with points, but were outscored 57-48 in rebounds. CJ Miles led the group with 21 points, but is experiencing sore feet and might miss the game against the Cavaliers. That would put the pressure on David West and George Hill. West is currently averaging 7.7 points per game on just 39.3 percent shooting.
James and the Pacers have had some good matchups in the past, but the rosters have changed. Indiana no longer has Lance Stephenson while Roy Hibbert is struggling and Paul George sits injured. Cleveland has the right momentum though to beat out Indiana in this game.
