Five Keys in Order for Cleveland Cavaliers to Beat Indiana Pacers in Round 1

4. Strong Bench Play

It’s pretty unclear exactly how much he will play this series, but you can be certain that Pacers reserve guard Lance Stephenson (7.2 points per game in six contests with Indiana) will likely try to find ways to get into the heads of the Cavs players, especially because of his history with James during the King’s playoff days with the Miami Heat.

In terms of bench scoring, the Pacers don’t really have much that jumps off the page. Small forward C.J. Miles is the only player off of Indiana’s bench to have a double-digit scoring average with 10.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while backup center Al Jefferson averaged 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in just 14.1 minutes per game.

For the Cavs, this is the time for reserves Kyle Korver (10.1 points per game in 35 contests with Cleveland) and Deron Williams (7.5 points and 3.6 assists per game in 24 contests with Cleveland) to really prove their worths to the team.

Korver, Williams and Channing Frye are three-point shooting threats off the bench and have shown flashes of brilliance with the Cavs, but the consistency needs to be there in the playoffs in order for Cleveland to be that much more dangerous.

Next: Keep the Foot on the Gas Pedal