Cleveland looks to push forward through injuries

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 PM ET, February 15, 2012
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Coverage: FSOH

The Cleveland Cavaliers are no strangers to having their back up against the wall, trying to find ways simply to stay in the game, but when their veteran power forward went down with a hand injury (just as the most difficult part of their schedule was coming up) it forced them to reevaluate the way they played all together. The Indiana Pacers are next on their list and this is a team that prides itself on attacking the basket, so the Cavaliers are going to have to find a way to get back up Samardo Samuels on the right track to face the hot Pacers.

The Indiana Pacers are on somewhat of a drought the last few games, losing 4 of their last 5 and currently 3 in a row after getting off to such a hot start, they have cooled down somewhat and have to find their way to make to the top of the east if they want any chance at the postseason. Ranked 17th overall in offense, falling from 11th where they were at mid January, but seem to have perfected their defense, rising from 14th overall to 9th in the league. Lead by team captain Danny Granger, who averages 18.6 points a game and is one of the best players in the NBA in fouls, with the fewest amount called against in the eastern conference.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the first pick in last year’s NBA Draft and with that pick they selected Duke star Kyle Irving, who not only has become a starter in the league, but has molded his game to lead his team in scoring, averaging 18.9 points and 11 assists a game, helping the Cavs to a few crucial wins over power houses such as Boston, Dallas and the Clippers. Ranking 18th overall in offense while dropping on the defensive end from 20th to 24th right now allowing more than 97 points a game, but are one of the better rebounding teams averaging 43.1 boards a game.

The Cavaliers will have to play very smart basketball against this team, because if there is the slight sense of sloppy play, in a matter of minutes this game could get out of hand and Cleveland could find themselves working from the back for most of the match. If the Cavs take care of the ball and rebound well, they will have a clear chance at winning this game and pulling another one of their upsets. I like the Pacers though, looking desperately for a win after a few very difficult games, this is just what they have been waiting for and I can honestly see them taking full advantage of the match-ups that favor them in most areas.