Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game 2 Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick

The fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers will look to avoid losing the first two games of their first-round playoff series against the fifth-seeded Indiana Pacers at home in Game 2 on Wednesday when they host them as large favorites.

The Cavaliers trailed 33-14 at the end of the first quarter in Game 1 and never recovered in a 98-80 loss despite LeBron James posting a triple-double of 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds as their only starter to score in double figures.

NBA point spread: The Cavaliers opened as 7.5-point favorites; the total is at 210, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer:111.0-102.7, Cavaliers (NBA picks on every game)

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Why the Pacers can cover the spread

The Pacers showed no fear in the series opener, with Victor Oladipo scoring a game-high 32 points to outperform James and every other player on the court. That is exactly what they needed to do, and Oladipo has a clear advantage over anyone in the Cleveland backcourt.

Oladipo outscored George Hill, Rodney Hood, Jose Calderon, Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith combined on his own, while Myles Turner and Bojan Bogdanovic were two other starters for Indiana who totaled 15 points or more.

Until Cleveland tightens the screws defensively, this team will have a shot to cover and win.

Why the Cavaliers can cover the spread

The Cavaliers have rebounded from bad losses like this before, with James leading the way. He will have his work cut out here, but do not be surprised to see him switch over and guard Oladipo as his team's best defender.

James needs to be more aggressive and look to score early and often rather than worrying too much about getting his teammates involved. He remains the best player on the planet and must take control of Game 2 himself in order to avoid losing the first two games.

Smart betting pick

The Pacers have now won four of the past five meetings in the series both straight up and against the spread, according to the OddsShark NBA Database. The money will likely continue coming in on the Cavaliers, but the underdog looks like the better bet again.

Take Indiana to cover the number and improve to 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 versus Cleveland.

NBA betting trends

Indiana is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games.

Cleveland is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games.

Cleveland is 1-4-1 ATS in its last six games against Indiana.

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.