Cavs Rest Key Stars as Pacers Eye Crucial Win in Playoff Push
So here we are, the final stretch of the regular season, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing it smart. With the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference already locked in, the Cavs are taking a much-needed breather—and that means Thursday night's matchup against the Indiana Pacers is going to look a lot different than usual.
Let’s talk facts. Cleveland is going to be without four of its regular starters: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus. That’s not just any group of players—we're talking about the core of their offense and defense. Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley are not only All-Stars, but they also lead the team in scoring, assists, and rebounding. Mitchell, for example, is averaging 24 points per game and could very well earn First-Team All-NBA honors. Garland adds 20.5 points and 6.7 assists per game, while Mobley brings versatility on both ends, averaging nearly a double-double.
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But this isn’t about injury panic—it’s about rest and recovery. With playoff intensity around the corner, the Cavs are prioritizing health. Mitchell and Garland are listed with minor injuries—ankle and toe issues respectively—but let’s be honest, it’s mostly precautionary. Mobley is officially listed as “rest,” and Strus is dealing with a knee contusion. So, yes, this isn’t a full-strength Cleveland team hitting the court Thursday night.
Now, flip the script to Indiana. The Pacers are still fighting hard for playoff position. They're sitting at 48-31, looking to lock in a top-four seed and secure that all-important home-court advantage for the first round. For them, this game matters—a lot. It’s not just about momentum, it’s about placement and opportunity. With a win or a Bucks loss, Indiana can finally clinch their home-court hopes.
That makes Thursday’s matchup a lot more interesting than you’d think. On paper, it might seem one-sided now that Cleveland is resting its stars. But in reality, it’s a huge opportunity for the Pacers to make a statement—and for the Cavs’ bench to show what they’re made of under the lights. Plus, you know the Pacers are breathing a little easier not having to chase Mitchell around all night.
It’s that classic end-of-season chess match. One team resting, another pushing, and both with playoff goals in mind. For fans, it’s a little taste of postseason energy with just enough unpredictability to make it fun. Let’s see how it plays out.
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