Live Thread: Cavs @ Pacers, 11/16/16

Half of this rivalry will not be playing tonight, unfortunately.

This Wednesday night, in their second back-to-back of the season, the Cavs will be traveling one state to the left to play the first of four contests against the Central Division rival Indiana Pacers. Sporting a 5-6 record, the Pacers are looking to climb up to .500 as they set their sights on a second consecutive playoff berth after finishing as the 7th seed last year. Tonight’s 7:00 EST game could very well be a preview of an early-round matchup for the Cavs in the 2016-17 playoffs, so be sure to tune in!

Unfortunately for viewers, it appears that coach Lue has decided to give LeBron James his first bit of rest this season, as LeBron will reportedly be sitting this one out as a healthy scratch. Gotta keep an eye on the finish line, right? In addition to James, Cleveland’s JR Smith will sit out a third straight game nursing an ailing ankle. This will be an important test for the defending champs as they continue to build their identity when playing without LeBron — the Cavs are 4-15 in games sans the King since he made his return two seasons ago. It will be interesting to see if the Cavs’ Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love can lead the team to what a tough road victory against what figures to be a strong Pacers squad.

On the Pacers’ side, backup PG Rodney Stuckey has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury that has kept him from playing for the better part of a month. Indiana is currently 5-1 at home. The Pacers’ Paul George leads the team in scoring at 21.0 PPG. After missing most of the 2014-15 season with an injury, George returned to the fold last year to reclaim his status as a legit 2-way superstar, and he has continued to excel in this young season as well. Cavs fans will also see a familiar face starting at PG for the Pacers — former Hawk Jeff Teague, who was brought to Indiana from Atlanta during the offseason. The Cavs will have their hands full trying to contain this new-look Pacers crew at less than full strength.

Should be good one. Go Cavs!