Winners and Losers: Cavs vs Pacers – Donovan Mitchell owns the paint

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Jalen Slawson #18 of the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on April 05, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images A shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers beat an even more depleted Indiana Pacers team.

Let’s go over today’s winners and losers. WINNER – Next Man Up This was one of the larger injury reports you’ll see for an NBA game. That’s saying something in today’s age.

Cleveland wasn’t as banged up as the Pacers, who were missing more than half of their roster due to injury. But the Cavs were still knackered enough to be without five rotational players. That puts a strain on any team.

Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill were all out today. That meant the Cavs would need a ‘next man up’ mentality to pull out this win, regardless of the opponent. I can’t say it was perfect.