Game Details:
- Matchup: Indiana Pacers (2-13) at Cleveland Cavaliers (10-6)
- Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM EST
- Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
- Spread: Cavaliers -12.5
- Total: 237.5
Pacers Limp into Cleveland Decimated by Injuries
The Indiana Pacers travel to Cleveland for a Friday night matchup that looks daunting on paper, and even worse when you check the injury report. Sporting a league-worst 2-13 record, the Pacers are a shadow of the team that made a run to the NBA Finals last season. The primary reason for their catastrophic start is the devastating Achilles injury suffered by superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the entire 2025-26 season.
The bad news doesn’t stop there. The Pacers’ injury list is extensive, with reports indicating the team can “barely field a team.” Key contributors like Obi Toppin (foot surgery) and Bennedict Mathurin (toe injury) have been out, while other role players like Johnny Furphy and Quenton Jackson have also been sidelined. Without Haliburton orchestrating the offense and other key scorers missing, Indiana has struggled mightily to compete, making them massive underdogs in nearly every contest.
Cavaliers Look to Capitalize at Home
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a much different position. At a solid 10-6, they are looking to assert their dominance over a struggling division rival. While heavily favored, the Cavaliers are not without their own health concerns. Star guard Darius Garland has been managing a “nagging toe issue” that dates back to last season’s playoffs and was recently listed on the injury report for management. His availability and effectiveness could be a factor.
Additionally, Max Strus is reportedly in the middle of a “lengthy recovery process” from a foot injury, though he is no longer in a walking boot. Despite these issues, Cleveland’s roster is far more intact than Indiana’s and possesses the talent to control this game from the opening tip, especially on their home court.
Prediction and Pick
This matchup is a textbook example of two franchises heading in opposite directions due to health. The 12.5-point spread is massive for an NBA game, but it’s a direct reflection of the state of the Pacers’ roster. Indiana is without the engine of its offense (Haliburton) and several other key pieces. It’s difficult to see how they will generate enough points to keep this game close against a solid Cavaliers team at home.
The Cavaliers, even if they rest or limit Garland, should have more than enough firepower to overwhelm the Pacers’ makeshift lineup. The bigger question is the game total. A high total of 237.5 seems to overestimate the scoring ability of this depleted Pacers squad. While Cleveland may score at will, a potential blowout could lead to both teams emptying their benches early, slowing the pace in the fourth quarter. The under is a very strong look.
Ultimately, the talent disparity is just too vast to ignore. Expect the Cavaliers to win comfortably.
Prediction: Cavaliers 118, Pacers 101
The Pick: Cavaliers -12.5Total: Under 237.5****Sources:
Indiana Pacers Injury Status – ESPN
Indiana Pacers Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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