The Indiana Pacers look to end a 12-game losing skid when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Central Division matchup.
Cleveland’s offense sees a significant dip without Donovan Mitchell on the floor, and my Cavaliers vs. Pacers predictions expect a lower-scoring affair at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Read on for my NBA picks for Tuesday, January 6.
Cavaliers vs Pacers prediction
Cavaliers vs Pacers best bet: Under 235.5 (-110)
With Donovan Mitchell out, tonight’s matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers profiles as a lower-scoring game, even with both teams ranking in the Top 10 in tempo over the past five games.
Cleveland loses its primary shot creator, late-clock scorer, and best downhill threat, which directly impacts offensive efficiency regardless of pace.
Faster possessions don’t automatically mean better ones, especially when they end without Mitchell’s rim pressure or foul-drawing ability.
Expect more empty trips, fewer trips to the free-throw line, and a higher reliance on Cleveland’s secondary creators to make plays late in the clock.
Even at an elevated tempo, Cleveland’s offense takes a clear step back without Spida, and that efficiency drop matters more than the pace of this matchup.
This sets up as a game where the speed looks fast, but the scoreboard lags.
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Cavaliers vs Pacers same-game parlay
With Mitchell out, both Evan Mobley and Darius Garland face tougher paths to efficient scoring.
Garland will see heavier defensive attention and more blitzes, forcing him into contested shots rather than getting clean scoring looks.
Mobley’s usage will rise, but Indiana can load the paint without Mitchell’s rim pressure, turning his touches into contested finishes and short jumpers instead of easy points.
Cavaliers vs Pacers SGP
- Under 235.5
- Evan Mobley Under 20.5 points
- Darius Garland Under 23.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Cavs Survive
Garland is a solid playmaker, but dishing nine assists might be a stretch tonight as he’s only recorded nine or more dimes in only four of his previous 14 games.
The Cavs are a tough team to trust to cover the spread, but they’ve won three of their previous four games and meet an Indiana group on a 12-game losing streak.
Cavaliers vs Pacers SGP
- Under 235.5
- Evan Mobley Under 20.5 points
- Darius Garland Under 23.5 points
- Darius Garland Under 8.5 assists
- Cavaliers moneyline
Cavaliers vs Pacers odds
- Spread: Cavaliers -5.5 (-110) | Pacers +5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -220 | Pacers +180
- Over/Under: Over 236.5 (-110) | Under 236.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Pacers betting trend to know
The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the 4Q Moneyline in 49 of their last 79 games (+9.50 Units / 8% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pacers.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pacers
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Ohio, FDSN-Indiana |
Cavaliers vs Pacers latest injuries
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