Live Thread: Cavs @ Pacers

Don’t be alarmed… there is no need to adjust your screen. This is not a jailbreak or a hijack situation. The C:tB crew have just graciously allowed me to help them cover the occasional live thread and recap as the Cavs enter the stretch run of the season… so let’s have some fun!

The Cavs pull into the Bankers Life Fieldhouse after putting the brakes on the high-octane Warriors in convincing fashion last night, but in need of a pit stop with both Kyrie and LeBron out for injury and rest respectively. Unfortunately, the Pacers have been hard charging of late, powered by the surprising Rodney Stuckey and having also run over the Warriors before getting lapped by the Thunder in OKC on Tuesday. They’ve been off since then and have been tuning up for their showdown with the (now depleted) Cavs.

Even though the wine and gold machine owe this Pacers crew one for spinning them out of their earlier win streak, this will be a tall order without two of their big three tonight. But never fear… Rudy is here! Delly gets his chance to run David Blatt’s motion offense for an extended period of time (let’s hope it’s not 48 minutes) and the opportunity to answer even his harshest critics… or not. Cavs will also need big games from KLove, Moz, JR, TT and Shump, as well as probably some extended time from the Champ and Perk.

This tilt had “let down game” written all over it being the second night of a back-to-back, following an emotional victory over the best team in the NBA on national television… and that was before it was official that both Kyrie and LBJ would be on the shelf. But maybe the Pacers will be a victim of overconfidence… What the heck… I’ll say Cavs edge the Pacers at the finish line… 93-92.

Gentlemen… start your engines!