LeBron, Cavs Headed For First-Round Sweep

Try as they might, the Indiana Pacers can’t find a way to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’ve had three consecutive unsuccessful attempts, and their 2017 NBA playoff run should come to an end when they host the Cavs in Game 4 of their first-round series Sunday afternoon.

The Cavs take a 3-0 series lead into Game 4, which is scheduled for a 1 p.m. EDT start at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. ABC will have the TV coverage, and fans can watch a free live stream online with WatchESPN.

Indiana has certainly had their opportunities to steal a game this series. The Pacers had the ball down by one point in the final possession of Game 1, and they mounted a late comeback attempt in Game 2. It appeared that Indiana would win their first contest at home when they took a 25-point halftime lead in Game 3, but the East’s No.7 seed fell victim to the biggest comeback in postseason history.

Paul George has done his best to challenge the Cavs. Indiana’s best player has performed like a superstar, averaging 32.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. But as well as he’s played, George has been no match for the best basketball player on the planet.

LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers should beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 to close out their first-round series. Pictured: James dunks against the Pacers in Game 3 of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 20, 2017. Photo: Reuters/Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In year No.14, LeBron James continues to amaze with what he can do. His greatness has become commonplace, and he’s quietly having one of the best individual playoff series in NBA history. James is averaging an astounding 32.7 points, 10.7 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game on 55.2 percent shooting.

James put up 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in Game 3, completing Cleveland’s comeback with both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. If the previous three games are any indication, he’ll put on another show in Game 4, which should prove to be the series finale.

Despite James’ historic series, Cleveland hasn’t been able to win comfortably once this series. Their defense remains an issue, allowing at least 109 points in all three games. In the regular season, 14 teams ranked higher in offensive efficiency than the Pacers.

George and the Pacers won’t give up in Game 4, sure to show some pride in front of their home fans. Jeff Teague and Lance Stephenson have also played well, allowing Indiana to stay in each game.

The combination of James, Irving and Love, however, will be too much for the Pacers. James hasn’t lost a first-round series game since 2012, and his undefeated streak should be extended for at least one more year.

Cleveland is a three-point favorite, via the betting odds at OddsShark. The Game 4 over/under is 212.5.

Prediction: Cleveland over Indiana, 115-108

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