Cavaliers Edge Pacers in Close Contest
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Cleveland Cavaliers 120, Indiana Pacers 116, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers?
Cleveland Cavaliers beat Indiana Pacers 120-116 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a narrow victory against the Indiana Pacers, winning 120-116 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This victory extends Cleveland's dominance in the series, as they now lead 4-0 against the Pacers this season. The Cavaliers have shown a strong performance on the road, with an away record of 21-17, while the Pacers continue to struggle, holding a home record of just 6-31.
Cleveland's recent form has been mixed, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They averaged 120.5 points scored and 119.2 points allowed during this stretch. Their last game resulted in a loss to the Detroit Pistons, where they fell 110-114. In contrast, the Pacers have faced significant challenges, losing all of their last ten games, with an average of 111.8 points scored and 123.4 points allowed. Their most recent defeat came against the Orlando Magic, where they lost 127-135.
The injury situation for the Pacers is notable, with Tyrese Haliburton listed as Day-To-Day due to an Achilles issue, while Johnny Furphy is confirmed out with a knee injury. This has undoubtedly impacted the Pacers' performance and depth.
In terms of betting, DraftKings set the odds with Cleveland favored by 6.5 points, reflecting their stronger overall record and recent performances. The total points line was set at 237.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game.
As the game unfolded, the fourth quarter proved crucial. Pascal Siakam made a pivotal three-foot shot, assisted by Andrew Nembhard, which brought the score to 115-113 in favor of the Cavaliers. Siakam then added a free throw, extending the lead to 116-113. Darius Garland's 16-foot pullup jump shot further solidified Cleveland's lead at 117-114. The final moments saw a series of free throws exchanged, with Jarrett Allen sealing the game with two successful free throws, bringing the score to 120-116.
The conditions at Gainbridge Fieldhouse were typical for an indoor basketball game, conducive to high-paced play. Viewers were treated to an intense matchup, with the Cavaliers demonstrating resilience and the ability to execute in clutch moments. The Pacers, despite their struggles, showed flashes of potential, particularly with their scoring capabilities, but ultimately fell short against a more experienced Cavaliers team.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -6.5 | 237.5 o -105 / u -115 | Cleveland Cavaliers -245 · Indiana Pacers +200 |
Injury report
- Tyrese HaliburtonDay-To-DayAchillesIndiana Pacers
- Johnny FurphyOutKneeIndiana Pacers
Leaders
- PointsPascal Siakam22Indiana Pacers
- AssistsAndrew Nembhard11Indiana Pacers
- ReboundsJohnny Furphy11Indiana Pacers
- PointsDarius Garland29Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsCraig Porter Jr.9Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJarrett Allen12Cleveland Cavaliers
Recent form
Indiana Pacers
Last 10: 0-10Streak L10111.8 scored · 123.4 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L127-135at Orlando MagicJan 4
- L113-123vs San Antonio SpursJan 3
- L110-112vs Orlando MagicDec 31
- L119-126at Houston RocketsDec 30
- L116-142at Miami HeatDec 28
- L122-140vs Boston CelticsDec 27
- L94-111vs Milwaukee BucksDec 24
- L95-103at Boston CelticsDec 23
- L109-128at New Orleans PelicansDec 21
- L113-114vs New York KnicksDec 19
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1120.5 scored · 119.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- L110-114vs Detroit PistonsJan 4
- W113-108vs Denver NuggetsJan 3
- W129-113vs Phoenix SunsDec 31
- W113-101at San Antonio SpursDec 30
- L100-117at Houston RocketsDec 28
- L124-126at New York KnicksDec 25
- W141-118vs New Orleans PelicansDec 24
- W139-132vs Charlotte HornetsDec 23
- L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
- L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Cleveland Cavaliers | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 49-88 | 43-93 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 10-26 | 16-35 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 46 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 38 | 25 |
| Assists | 33 | 32 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 6 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 64 | 42 |
| Fouls | 23 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 20 | 77 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter80-86Micah Potter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-87Micah Potter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter82-87Evan Mobley makes tip in dunk
- 3rd Quarter84-87Craig Porter Jr. makes 1-foot running dunk (De'Andre Hunter assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-90Jarace Walker makes 24-foot three point jumper (T.J. McConnell assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-93Aaron Nesmith makes 23-foot three point jumper (T.J. McConnell assists)
- 4th Quarter86-93Evan Mobley makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter86-95Ethan Thompson makes 8-foot pullup jump shot (Jay Huff assists)
- 4th Quarter88-95Jaylon Tyson makes 3-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter91-95Sam Merrill makes 25-foot three pointer (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter93-95Evan Mobley makes 1-foot driving dunk (Jaylon Tyson assists)
- 4th Quarter94-95Evan Mobley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter94-97Jarace Walker makes driving layup (Pascal Siakam assists)
- 4th Quarter96-97Darius Garland makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-97Jarrett Allen makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter98-100Andrew Nembhard makes 29-foot three point jumper (Aaron Nesmith assists)
- 4th Quarter98-102Jarace Walker makes 1-foot driving dunk (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter99-102Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-102De'Andre Hunter makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter103-102Darius Garland makes 21-foot pullup jump shot (De'Andre Hunter assists)
- 4th Quarter105-102Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot dunk (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter107-102Jarrett Allen makes layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter109-102Darius Garland makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter109-104Pascal Siakam makes 7-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter111-104Darius Garland makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Jarrett Allen assists)
- 4th Quarter111-106Pascal Siakam makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter113-106Darius Garland makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter113-107Andrew Nembhard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-109Andrew Nembhard makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter115-109Darius Garland makes 4-foot two point shot (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter115-110Pascal Siakam makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-111Pascal Siakam makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-113Pascal Siakam makes 3-foot two point shot (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter115-114Pascal Siakam makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter117-114Darius Garland makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter117-115Andrew Nembhard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-115Craig Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-116Aaron Nesmith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-116Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-116Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Indiana Pacers, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- Gainbridge FieldhouseIndianapolis, IN
- Attendance16007
- OfficialsMarc Davis, CJ Washington, Scott Twardoski
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