Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NBA Summer League match.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will get a chance to settle an old score against the Indiana Pacers, following their previous playoff loss. While the Summer League is primarily a developmental competition without marquee names, this fixture carries added significance.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers head into the matchup with a more experienced group. The squad includes six players who have logged at least one season in the NBA, along with second-round picks James Johnson and Taelon Peter. The Pacers have already demonstrated a structured style of play reminiscent of their run to the Eastern Conference Finals. This Summer League campaign offers a crucial opportunity for bench players to make their case for rotation spots during the regular season. One of them might even emerge as a temporary replacement for Tyrese Haliburton, who has been ruled out for the entirety of the 2025/26 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, by comparison, field just three players with NBA experience in their Summer League squad. The rest are rookies, including Tyrese Proctor and Georges Niang. The emphasis here is clearly on long-term growth rather than short-term success. Despite adding a high draft selection in Jaylon Tyson, who averaged 20 points per game at the NCAA level, the squad still looks raw. In last year’s Summer League, the Cavaliers managed only one win in four outings, and it appears unlikely they will make a significant impact this time around.
Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Indiana Pacers boast a more balanced and game-ready roster. Their experience and cohesion should prove to be deciding factors. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers are focused on development, even a potential win would likely come by the narrowest of margins.
