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The Pacers and Cavaliers return to action on Wednesday night in Cleveland for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
After two full days off to soak in the praise, the Pacers will face a Cavaliers team who spent that same time grinding to shut up the doubters and establish their footing in the series. And with LeBron James leading the way that will always present a problem for the Pacers.
The Pacers have performed their best this year in the reverse situation, with doubts cast in their direction reminding the roster of the variety of chips each has on their shoulder from past NBA experiences. Hopefully they realize, they are not playing with house money after just one win. Can the Pacers rise up and go for the kill in Game 2?
Expect a different LeBron James trying to impose his will on this game. Also expect the Cavs to ramp up the pressure on Victor Oladipo in an effort to force Vic to get rid of the ball before he can get where he wants.
There was plenty of room for improvement by the Pacers after their 18-point win and with the focus on Oladipo, other players are capable of lifting their game and putting the Cavs in a jam. Time to see if they can do so under the spotlight of the playoffs.
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Pacers at Cavaliers, Pacers lead series 1-0 - 7:00 PM EDT at Quicken Loans Arena
TV: TNT/FOX Sports Indiana
Radio: 107.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan
Projected starting lineups
Pacers: Darren Collison (PG), Victor Oladipo (SG), Bojan Bogdanovic (SF), Thaddeus Young (PF), Myles Turner (C)
Cavaliers: George Hill PG), Rodney Hood (SG), LeBron James (SF), Jeff Green (PF), Kevin Love (C)