Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers

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The 2023-24 NBA In-Season Tournament will kick off with a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers on Friday, November 3. This match is the first of four group-stage contests for both teams in Group A of the Eastern Conference. Joining them in this group are the Philadelphia 76ers, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Detroit Pistons.

This upcoming Friday's game represents a rematch between the Cavaliers and the Pacers, following the Pacers' 125-113 victory over a short-handed Cavs team on October 28. However, the significance of this matchup, along with the teams' updated injury reports, suggests that the outcome might differ this time.

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers might be missing key players on Friday. The Cavaliers' starters, Darius Garland (hamstring) and Jarrett Allen (ankle), are currently listed as questionable. Similarly, the Pacers' star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton (ankle), is also questionable. The absence of any of these three players would significantly impact the game.

In their recent match against the Boston Celtics on November 1, the Pacers struggled immensely without Haliburton's playmaking and leadership, suffering a staggering 51-point loss (155-104).

Conversely, the Cavaliers have struggled with a 1-3 record in the absence of Garland's playmaking, and Allen has yet to play this season, leaving the team with a lack of size in the paint. Assuming both teams are without key players, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to rely more on their offensive firepower, primarily led by star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell.

The Pacers' absence of a primary scorer could present a significant challenge for them to maintain competitiveness. Their youthful team often heavily depends on Haliburton to set up their offensive plays.

Defensively, the Pacers have experienced considerable struggles at the beginning of the season, as they currently hold the last position in team defensive rating (119.3) after playing four games. To secure a playoff spot, Indiana must improve their defensive performance.

Another key factor in the upcoming Friday game might be the performance of the big men, specifically the battle between Evan Mobley and Myles Turner. Mobley achieved a season-best of 33 points in their previous encounter, and his offensive contributions have become a crucial variable for the Cavs.