The Pacers' rapid nosedive continues, and on Friday night, they became the first team to be eliminated from NBA Cup contention.

The Indiana Pacers made this one interesting, climbing back to within 10 points in the final quarter, but a final surge of offense from Cleveland put this one to bed. Four Cavaliers topped 20 points tonight, while Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard scored a collective 79 points. Mitchell 3. Mobley 3. Hunter 3.

Group play in the 2025-’26 NBA Cup continues Friday night with a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena.