Cleveland at Indiana – Game 6
Time: 7 PM CT (ESPN)
Spread: IND -1.5
Total: 203
Odds c/o 5dimes
In a series that has been billed as LeBron James versus the Indiana Pacers, James’ late-game dominance continued as he more or less single-handedly defeated the Pacers in Game 5. James’ blocked shot on Victor Oladipo and a subsequent three-pointer on the other end hammered close an exciting Game 5 as the Cavaliers won 98-95 to take a 3-2 series lead back to Indiana for Game 6.
The Pacers are 1.5-point favorites on its home court as it looks to even up the series to take it back to Cleveland for a final game seven. The betting total is set at 203 points by NBA oddsmakers at 5dimes, and the game will tip off at 7 PM (CT) on ESPN.
James was on a mission in Game 5. The legend finished with 44 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and a block and steal as he shot 14 of 24 from the field in his 42 minutes of play. James and the Cavaliers outscored Indiana by a point for James’ six minutes of rest, which we know from last year’s Finals is a crucial period for any LBJ-led team. Credit none of that to Kevin Love. Love shot just 2 of 11 from the field to finish with an underwhelming 11 points and 10 boards. While James may be enough to handle the Pacers on his own, there is scarcely a chance this type of help gets LBJ and company out of the next round, never mind a trip back to the Finals where it could potentially encounter loaded Western Conference teams like Golden State and Houston.
For now, James focus must not be just on closing this series out, but also on how to get some help from his lackluster supporting cast. Kyle Korver did come through strong with 19 points, but the Cavaliers shot just 11 of 40 from the field outside of James and Korver. That is just a smidge better than 25 percent from the field and even with James dominating try to imagine that defeating a stacked team like Golden State. It cannot happen.
James also got to the line 15 times and hit all 15, as the Pacers had scarcely an answer for the best player of this generation. Victor Oladipo had his third poor game in a row for Indy, as he connected on just 2 of 15 field goals, but did finish with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.
Pacers’ backup center Domantas Sabonis was the best Pacer on the court, with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists and a +2 mark for his 33 minutes of play. He has handily outplayed starting center Myles Turner, and one might wonder if the Pacers do not find a way to move Turner over the offseason to maximize the emergence of Sabonis. The thought would have seemed outlandish a year ago, but Turner has disappointed while Sabonis has impressed.
That is perhaps another topic for another day, as Indy fights for its playoff lives tonight and hopes to get Victor Oladipo going to have a much better chance at victory. Even with its star having such an off-night, the Pacers were right there within striking distance if not for James’ heroics.
ATS TRENDS
| Cleveland | |
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| Indiana | |
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