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The Pacers remain on the road for a Sunday afternoon game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Pacers are 3-0 against the Cavs this year, but will face a different team than the one they beat 82-78 back on Jan. 5. That was back when the Pacers could play an awful game on the road but still shut down the opponent enough to gather a win.
Now? Well, I guess you could say the Cavs are facing a different Pacers team, as well. The Cavs made some mid-season changes and have been streaky good, but have been without Kyrie Irving for the past seven games with a hopeful return later this week.
Ol' friend Jarrett Jack has been filling at for Irving with Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes adding a different look to the starting lineup, with Hibbert-needler, Anderson Varejao playin big minutes off the bench. Even with C.J. Watson expected to remain sidelined, the Pacers should have a depth advantage with C.J. Miles (ankle) also joining Irving on the sidelines. Miles torched the Pacers early for 21 points back in January to keep the Cavs hanging around for their late-game run at the win.
After the Pacers loss in Washington on Friday, Roy Hibbert mentioned he was tired of talking about the same thing after road losses (team play, ball movement, effort, intensity, etc.). Believe me, I think we're all well past tired of hearing the same problems expressed in frustrating tones from all of the players.
Maybe the Pacers will take some inspirations from the Sixers ending their losing streak last night and just come out and put everything together for a solid road win. They are certainly due for something good to happen on the road.
For more on the Cavs, check out Fear The Sword. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.
Check out some game day links:
Game Preview: Pacers at Cavaliers | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Paul George still working on ignoring perceived missed calls by officials
Scouting report: Pacers at Cavaliers - 1070 The Fan
Cleveland Cavaliers are better, but are they good enough to beat the Indiana Pacers? | cleveland.com
Sixers blow out Pistons, snap record-tying losing streak at 26 games | The Point Forward - SI.com