On a chilly Tuesday night in Indianapolis, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged out the Indiana Pacers 120-116 in a gripping Eastern Conference contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The January 6, 2026, showdown brought together two teams on vastly different trajectories—Cleveland looking to solidify its playoff credentials and Indiana desperately seeking to halt a historic slide. The result? A spirited battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Heading into the matchup, the Cavaliers boasted a 20-17 record and had won three of their last four games, despite a tough 114-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons just three days prior. Meanwhile, the Pacers were mired in a 12-game losing streak, tying the longest in franchise history, with their last victory dating all the way back to December 8, 2025, against Sacramento. The pressure was mounting not only for the team but also for head coach Rick Carlisle, who was still searching for his milestone 1,000th career win.
Injuries cast a long shadow over both squads. The Pacers were without key contributors Tyrese Haliburton (torn Achilles), Bennedict Mathurin (thumb), Obi Toppin, and Isaiah Jackson (concussion), forcing them to lean heavily on the offensive prowess of Pascal Siakam and the playmaking abilities of Andrew Nembhard. Cleveland, on the other hand, was missing superstar guard Donovan Mitchell, who sat out for rest, while Max Strus and Larry Nance Jr. were sidelined and Jarrett Allen entered the game as probable due to illness.
Despite the depleted rosters, both teams came out swinging. The Pacers, hungry for a win and eager to put an end to their losing streak, showed flashes of their offensive potential. Pascal Siakam, who had poured in 34 points in their previous outing, continued to assert himself as Indiana's focal point. Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, both of whom had impressive performances in the loss to Orlando, provided much-needed support.
The Cavaliers, missing nearly 30 points per game with Mitchell's absence, adjusted their approach. Darius Garland stepped up as the primary scoring option, delivering clutch baskets and orchestrating the offense with poise. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchored the frontcourt, while newcomers like De'Andre Hunter and Jaylon Tyson contributed valuable minutes on both ends of the court. Head coach Kenny Atkinson, in his first season at the helm, emphasized a slower, more methodical half-court style, focusing on defense and rebounding—a strategy that paid dividends as the game wore on.
The first half saw both teams trading buckets, with neither side able to build a substantial lead. Indiana's offense hummed along, shooting an impressive percentage from the field, but defensive lapses allowed Cleveland to stay within striking distance. The Cavaliers, despite some cold stretches from beyond the arc, capitalized on second-chance opportunities and points in the paint.
By halftime, the score remained tight, setting the stage for a tense second half. The Pacers, buoyed by their home crowd, looked determined to finally snap their losing streak. Siakam and Nembhard continued to attack the rim, while Johnny Furphy and Jay Huff provided sparks off the bench. Yet, every time Indiana threatened to pull away, Garland or Mobley answered with timely baskets for the Cavaliers.
The fourth quarter brought no shortage of drama. With under five minutes to play, the Pacers briefly seized the lead, igniting hopes of a long-awaited victory. But Cleveland responded with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a thunderous dunk from Allen and a deep three-pointer from Garland that silenced the crowd. The Pacers refused to fold, as Nesmith and Furphy hit back-to-back shots to keep it a one-possession game.
In the final minute, tensions ran high. Indiana had the ball, trailing by just two, when a crucial defensive stand by De'Andre Hunter forced a turnover. The Cavaliers capitalized, with Mobley converting a tough layup through contact to extend the lead. Free throws from Garland and Allen sealed the deal, as Cleveland escaped with a hard-fought 120-116 victory.
The loss extended Indiana's skid to 13 games, a bitter pill for a team that showed resilience but couldn't quite close the deal. "We fought hard, but we have to be better in those key moments," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle was seen exhorting his players from the sidelines, frustration evident as the elusive milestone win slipped away once again.
For Cleveland, the win provided a much-needed boost, keeping them firmly in the mix in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. Garland's leadership in Mitchell's absence was a clear highlight, as he orchestrated the offense and hit crucial shots down the stretch. The Cavaliers' ability to adapt on the fly and rely on their depth—especially with Allen gutting it out despite illness—spoke volumes about the team's character and chemistry.
Fans tuning in had plenty of options, with the game broadcast on the Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN), available on Channel 22.1 over-the-air and Channel 979 on Spectrum in Northeast Ohio. The network, which has three more Cavaliers games on its schedule this season, ensured that Cleveland supporters across the region could witness the action live. Additional cable providers like Altice, Armstrong, Breezeline, Buckeye Broadband, Cox Communication, DirecTV, and DISH Network also carried the broadcast, making it accessible to a wide audience.
From a betting perspective, the game defied some expectations. Pre-game odds favored Cleveland by 6.5 points, with the over/under set as high as 236.5. Many analysts, including those at SportsLine and Fanatics Markets, had predicted the Under due to the slew of injuries and the expectation of a slower pace. Yet, the two squads combined for 236 points, landing right at the threshold and underscoring just how unpredictable NBA action can be—especially when desperation meets opportunity.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will aim to build on this momentum as they eye crucial upcoming matchups, while the Pacers must regroup and find a way to halt their skid. With key players still sidelined, Indiana's young core will need to step up if they hope to change the narrative and give their fans something to cheer about in the weeks ahead.
For now, Cleveland walks away with a hard-earned win, and Indiana is left searching for answers. The Eastern Conference playoff picture remains as murky as ever, but one thing's for sure—on nights like this, NBA basketball delivers all the drama and excitement fans could ask for.
