No first-round series has been as competitive as Indiana vs. Cleveland. The Cavaliers were NBA games betting odds opening favorites. But much of that was based on public perception. Reality showed Indiana finished just two games behind Cleveland in the regular season. Pacer backers point to their superior defense. But countering that is LeBron James. Indiana has no player that can equal the King. Which is the essence of this series. James vs. the Pacers defense and team orientation. So far, it’s dead even straight up. However, sharps are in the black with Indiana.
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 25, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | +6 (-110) | 204½ (-110) |  |
| Cavaliers | -6 (-110) | 204½ (-110) | |
| |||
Pacers vs. Cavaliers TV Coverage: TNT
Series so Far
Indiana set the tone in game one with a 98-80 road upset payoff. Cleveland recovered to win game two 100-97. But the Cavs failed to beat the NBA games betting odds. Pacer fans enjoyed a 92-90 home cover in game three. But Cleveland got the money in a 104-100 game four road win. Game six of this series will be at Indiana Friday night. If game seven is needed the Cavs will host it on Sunday.
Pacers
Road betting value has been solid for the Pacers all season. They have covered 25 of 43 away tilts this year. Only 16 of those road matchups went over the total. Head coach Nate McMillan may get little notoriety. Yet he has the Pacers playing superb team basketball. Additionally, Indiana’s defense has been strong. That is the lead indicator of a team that plays hard. Offensively Victor Oladipo leads with 23 points per game. Support has come from five players averaging 11 points per outing or better. Seems like a classic case of the sum being greater than total parts.
Cleveland
Cleveland is among the worst home betting value in the NBA this year. Just 13 payouts in 43 games at Quicken Loans Arena is ugly carnage. Bankrolls have been busted consistently betting on the Cavs at home. A defense that ranked 26th in the Association was not helpful. James is averaging 28 points per game in the playoffs.
Team vs. Team
The Pacers have had the online sportsbook series edge vs. Cleveland. In the last eight meetings Indiana got the money six times. Just one of the last nine meetings went over the total. At Quicken Loans Arena the Cavs paid in just one of their last seven against Indiana. The last two meetings at that venue went under the number.
Matchup to Watch
Straight up with James Cleveland holds a slight matchup advantage. But against the line its another story. Indiana is a superior NBA games betting odds value. Both on the road and head to head they deliver the cash. Few teams bring less value than the Cavaliers. That’s because few teams attract more “Amateur Hour” public money. It’s a lethal combination. And one that bleeds red ink.
Pacers vs. Cavaliers NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Indiana and those seven points are the way to go in this one.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Indiana Pacers
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Pacers 99, Cavaliers 100