The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers have been entangled in an amazing round one series that is current tied at two apiece. In Game 4, the Cavaliers picked up an enormous win to even the series and retake home court advantage, and they did it without starting point guard George Hill.
Jose Calderon earned the start in place of Hill and had a solid game, scoring five points in 19 minutes of play. Hill sat out due to a sore back and is currently deemed questionable for Game 5.
Cavaliers likely to change lineup again in Game 5
The starting five of Calderon, J.R.
Smith LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyle Korver in Sunday’s game was the first time head coach Tyronn Lue used that lineup. However, if George Hill is able to play in Game 5, he will be reinstated into the starting lineup rather than playing off the bench, ESPN reports.
The 31-year-old veteran was able to go through some shooting drills during Tuesday’s practice, which is an encouraging sign. Perhaps he will be ready to play on Wednesday in a crucial Game 5 that could ultimately be the deciding factor in the series.
What the Cavaliers must do to win Game 5
The Cavaliers will definitely need Hill’s presence because the supporting cast must play well once again to provide much-needed help for LeBron James.
During Sunday’s game, Smith, Korver, and Clarkson were all in double figures, providing a major lift. Korver knocked down a couple of huge threes late in the game to help the cause, while Smith and Clarkson were aggressive for the most part.
Cleveland’s defense is also another key for them. They must make it one and done for Indiana and make sure they clog the lane to prevent Victor Oladipo’s drives.
They must also put a body on the Pacers’ big men, which has been difficult for the undersized Cavs to do.
What the Pacers must do to steal another road game
Unlike Games 2-4, the Pacers cannot fall behind early in the contest again. They must come out sharp like they did in Game 1 rather than play catch-up the entire game. In addition, the Pacers need further solid production from Darren Collison, who could be the x-factor for Indiana.
When Collison plays well, it helps the Pacers spread the floor and get more openings against Cleveland’s nonchalant defense.
Aside from Game 1, the last three games have been decided by an average margin of three points. Game 5 promises to be another exciting battle between these two teams and will take place at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern Time.
