Live Thread: Pacers @ Cavs

Good evening CtB!

In case you missed it, major Cavs’ news:

Full trade: Indiana sends Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick via Miami to Cleveland for Ricky Rubio, lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick via Houston and a 2027 second-round pick via Utah, per sources.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2022

Instant reaction? Expensive but necessary. Stay tuned for more trade reaction and analysis, and Commentariat sound off below!

The Indiana Pacers visit the shores of Lake Erie for their second game of their four game series. It is believed that Indiana is beginning a full tear-down of the roster, so their guys will be looking to audition and make a good impression to those watching from across the NBA. For the Cavs, they’ll be looking to stack another win to remain in the hunt for the Eastern Conference’s top seed. The urgency may even be heightened post-trade, as the arrival of Caris LeVert means that the Cavs are committed to making a playoff push. The Cavs’ young core appear to be on a collision course with their first taste of NBA playoff basketball, the excitement is palpable.

As for the game at hand, it will be dictated by the Cavs’ defense. Hopefully Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley look to dominate the paint and carry the Cavs while Darius Garland continues to mend a sore back.

Tip off is scheduled for 6:00PM ET and will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio/Great Lakes, Go Cavs!!!