2017 NBA playoffs: Three X-Factors for Cavs vs. Pacers
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (7) Indiana Pacers
LeBron James and the Cavaliers enter the postseason with all kinds of concerns, but there's also the possibility that the Cavs have been coasting to save energy for the playoffs. Can Paul George and the Pacers take advantage?
Desperation time for Pacers? - The unsavory subplot swirling around the Pacers is whether franchise pillar Paul George will leave in free agency in 2018. He’s said his goal is to be on a competitive team. The fact that the Pacers scampered into the playoffs by winning their last five games is a good start. The odds of extending that playoff run are significantly smaller given Indiana’s opponent. LeBron James is 11-0 in first round series in his career, and his teams haven’t lost a first round game since 2012.
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Lance factor - Someone, somewhere was hoping that when the Pacers brought back Lance Stephenson recently, he’d get a chance to square up against LeBron James again in the playoffs. Who can forget their soft, cuddly encounter with Stephenson blowing into James’ ear during the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals? Lance is back, and by all Indy accounts (George included), the Pacers are thrilled. We’re not saying he’s going to have a monumental impact, but when the Pacers made back-to-back conference finals, his defense was a significant weapon.
Cavs’ struggles - Perhaps you've heard about Cleveland's issues? Not all is well with the Cavs. Their defense is in shambles, they’ve been battling injuries throughout the entire season – the latest being Tristan Thompson’s sprained right thumb – and they curiously settled for the No. 2 seed, letting the Boston Celtics slide into a favorable schedule. One working theory for this is that the Cavs simply aren’t afraid of going on the road and beating the Celtics in a potential Game 7, and they prioritized rest over seeding. Whether that was ultimately the right decision will reflect back on coach Ty Lue, who by the way, has said he has some new defensive schemes to unveil in the playoffs. We'll see.
Follow Paste BN Sports' Michael Singer on Twitter @msinger.