The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers open their 2026 NBA Summer League schedules Friday at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. These organizations also met in last year’s Summer League opener, when Indiana escaped with a 116-115 victory despite 30 points from Nae’Qwan Tomlin. The personnel is significantly different this time, especially for Indiana, but Cleveland’s combination of NBA experience and frontcourt athleticism gives it a chance to control this matchup.
The Cavaliers are 5.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook with the total for this game set at 181.5 points.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers prediction, preview
Cleveland’s roster includes several players who have already spent time in the NBA or within the Cavaliers’ developmental system. Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Malaki Branham give the offense two experienced options, while second-round pick Meleek Thomas should receive opportunities to create with the ball. The Cavaliers also have enough size and athleticism across the frontcourt to generate transition chances and control the glass. That depth should help Cleveland maintain a relatively steady level of play when the rotations begin to expand.
Tomlin appeared in 64 games for the Cavaliers last season and has already demonstrated that his athleticism translates against NBA competition. He is most effective running the floor and attacking the offensive glass, all areas that tend to become especially valuable during loosely organized Summer League games. Tomlin also scored 30 points against Indiana in last year’s matchup, so the Pacers have already seen how difficult he can be to contain in this environment. Cleveland can surround him with Riley Minix, Tristan Enaruna and 6-foot-11, 266-pound center Ernest Udeh Jr., giving the Cavaliers several physical frontcourt options.
Indiana should be competitive because it has several capable ball-handlers and experienced G League scorers. Braden Smith gives the Pacers a natural organizer after finishing his college career as one of the most productive passers in NCAA history, averaging 14.3 points, 8.8 assists and 1.7 steals last season, leading the country with 345 assists. His experience controlling games should help the Pacers avoid some of the disorganized possessions that usually appear during the first few days in Las Vegas. Yuki Kawamura provides another guard who can create for teammates. The Pacers also have enough scoring on the wing to punish a disorganized defense. However, this is a largely new group, and Indiana may need time to establish its rotation and offensive hierarchy.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers pick, best Bet
Best bet: Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5
Cleveland’s physical advantages should become more apparent as the game progresses. The Cavaliers have more proven scoring options, greater size across multiple positions, and enough continuity to execute more cleanly than Indiana. The Pacers’ guard play may keep them close early, but Cleveland should create separation through rebounding, transition offense and its ability to generate shots late in possessions.
