Indiana Pacers Secure Home Court Advantage in First Round of Playoffs

INDIANAPOLIS–The Indiana Pacers secured home court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs Thursday night with a 114-112 triumph over the now 63-17 Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Pacers were led by Tyrese Haliburton who scored 23 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed 8 rebounds. After Aaron Nesmith made one of two free throws, the Pacers forced Jaylon Tyson to miss a 14-foot jumper before time expired.

Ty Jerome led Cleveland with 24 points. The Cavaliers rested four of their five starters because they have already clinched the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

At 49-31, the Pacers have two games left in the regular season before they start the postseason. They could finish as high as the #3 seed. They battle the 40-40 Orlando Magic Friday night at 7 pm. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 on 93.5 and 107.5 The Fan.

Winners of six straight, the Pacers secured a top-four seed and home court advantage in a playoff series for the first time since 2014. They are also one win away from their first 50-win season since 2013-14.