Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game 1 Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick

The fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32) will start their run toward a potential fourth straight Eastern Conference title Sunday when they host the fifth-seeded Indiana Pacers (48-34) as solid home favorites for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

The Cavaliers had new experiences this season, including the addition of a few younger players to help LeBron James this time around in Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr.

NBA point spread: The Cavaliers opened as five-point favorites; the total is at 216.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. Line updates and matchup report.

NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 114.2-104.1, Cavaliers. NBA picks on every game.

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Why the Pacers Can Cover the Spread

Indiana fared well versus Cleveland during the regular season, winning three of the four meetings between the teams both straight up and against the spread, according to the OddsShark NBA Database. The Pacers upset the Cavaliers 124-107 as 10-point road underdogs on November 1 and proceeded to win two home games as well despite closing as underdogs each time.

Plus, if it were not for James, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo would probably be a stronger NBA MVP candidate after averaging a career-high 23.1 points per game.

Why the Cavaliers Can Cover the Spread

Cleveland is a much different team compared to when Indiana won the first three meetings. In fact, all four meetings were played prior to the trade deadline, when the Cavaliers got rid of veterans Isaiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose and replaced them with Clarkson, Hood, Nance and George Hill.

While Cleveland was disappointing overall from a covering perspective this year at 32-49-1 ATS, the team closed strong by beating the number in 10 of its 13 games going into the playoffs.

Smart Betting Pick

Just like in every playoff series he plays, James will be the deciding factor again here. Even though rumors are swirling regarding where he will end up next season, the four-time MVP remains the best player in the league and will dictate how this series turns out.

Bettors should expect James to make an early statement in this spot, with the Cavaliers proving themselves to be the East's team to beat with an easy win and cover.

NBA Betting Trends

Indiana is 7-3 ATS in its past 10 games.

Cleveland is 10-3 ATS in its past 13 games.

The total has gone under in six of Cleveland's past nine games.

All NBA odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.