Dribbles: Cavs, minus Kyrie and LeBron, will get revitalized Pacers' best shot
Tipoff: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., 7 p.m.
Records: Cavaliers 37-22; Pacers 23-34.
TV: FOX Sports Ohio. Radio: WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega, AM 1590 WAKR (Akron)
Projected Starters
Cavaliers: C Timofey Mozgov; PF Kevin Love; SF LeBron James; SG J.R. Smith; PG Matthew Dellavedova.
Pacers: C Roy Hibbert; PF David West; SF Solomon Hill; SG C.J. Miles; PG George Hill.
Injury Report
Cavaliers: PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out; SF Shawn Marion (hip) out; C Anderson Varejao (Achilles) out.
Pacers: SG Paul George (leg) out.
Dribbles
1. The Cavs are doing the smart thing and resting LeBron on the second night of a back to back. It may not mean a win, but it's probably more important for the long run.
2. Last time the Cavs were riding a hot streak, they went to Indiana and it ended. That was a few weeks back, when the Cavs had won 12 straight and were aiming to tie a franchise record with 13. The Pacers didn't allow it to happen.
3. Now, the Cavs have won 18 of 20. That includes four in a row. And here they are, again in Indy.
4. This time, the Cavs will have to try to get it done without All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. An MRI conducted Friday revealed a left shoulder strain. Irving hurt the shoulder in the third quarter of Thursday's 110-99 win over the Warriors. He returned in the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 points and 10-of-10 shooting on free throws.
5. The MRI result is actually a best-case scenario. Irving's injury isn't serious. It's not something to be taken lightly, but it's not something that should keep him out a long time, either. He will be reevaluated prior to Sunday's afternoon game at Houston.
6. Back to the Pacers. They are a veteran team that looks much better inrecent weeks. They think they're going to the playoffs, and they know in order to do that, they have to win home games -- even against good teams such as the Cavs. Hungry, veteran teams like Indiana are always dangerous.
7. Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey struggled off the bench in his last game (a loss to the Thunder), but scored 30 in each of the two games before that. It's why Matthew Dellavedova could start in place of Irving. That way, Iman Shumpert can come off the Cavs' bench and try to keep Stuckey in check.
8. Another problem is former Cavs guard C.J. Miles. He went nuts in the team's last meeting. Miles is a very hot-and-cold shooter, and when he's on, the Cavs best find a way to get in his face and try to disrupt his rhythm.
9. Obviously, the Cavs are coming off an emotional and trying night against a talented Warriors team. They have to find a way to push through. This game doesn't have the buzz and the stage isn't nearly as big. They don't need 42 points from LeBron James again, but they do need to find some energy and push their tired legs defensively.
