The NBA playoffs have been quite surprising, to say the least. The New Orleans Pelicans just shocked the world by sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers as the number six seed. Out East, the Indiana Pacers are trying to accomplish the same feat.

The Pacers have the Cavaliers’ backs against the wall, leading 2-1 in the series with game 4 coming up at home. Cleveland hasn’t received much help from LeBron James’ supporting cast. In Game 3, George Hill and Kevin Love gave great support in the first half, but they both disappeared in the second half.

Cavaliers will switch up lineups on Sunday

Being unable to find consistency from his role players, head coach Tyronn Lue vows to make a few tweaks to the team’s rotation. Tristan Thompson has played just two playoff minutes this year, which took place in Game 1. The 27-year-old has been a key role player for the Cavs over the last three seasons but hasn’t been a factor this year.

However, that may change in Game 4. Coach Lue is expected to allow Thompson back into the rotation on Sunday. “I can trust him,” Lue said. “I think Tristan can also get us extra possessions offensive rebounding. He brings toughness and that’s been a problem.”

Thompson does indeed provide hustle and toughness, which allows the Cavaliers offense to get extra possessions.

It’s mind-boggling that it has taken this long for Coach Lue to realize this. Thompson will likely still come off the bench, but he may take some minutes from Larry Nance Jr. and Jeff Green.

What the Cleveland Cavaliers must do in Game 4?

Kevin Love spoke to reporters during Saturday’s practice and preached about what the Cavaliers must do in Game 4 to even the series.

“We need to continue to fight,” Love said. “In crunch time, we gotta be better.”

The Cavaliers didn’t execute well in crunch time during Game 3, as they were relying too much on James to bail them out. The supporting cast is obviously the key. If LeBron can get help from multiple players, the Cavaliers would play as good as they did in the first half of Game 3 when they built a 17-point lead.

Cleveland’s defense may also need to be better inside, and Thompson could definitely help with that since he is an average shot blocker.

It’s going to be tough for the Cavaliers to match Pacers’ size and length but, as long as the role players can step up, Cleveland will have Indiana’s defense guessing.

Game 4 will tipoff at 8:30 pm Eastern Time at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on TNT.
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