Roundup
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Cavaliers edge Wolves in shootout — Central Division roundup
The Cavaliers outlasted the Timberwolves 127-125 while the Bucks handled the Pacers and Indiana absorbed two troubling injury updates.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
It was a busy night in the Central Division, highlighted by a nail-biter in Cleveland, a much-needed win for Milwaukee over a division rival and troubling health news for the Indiana Pacers.
Cleveland Cavaliers: edging Minnesota and moving above .500
At home, the Cleveland Cavaliers survived a high-scoring duel with the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 127-125. The tight victory pushes Cleveland to 2-1 and keeps the Cavaliers in the early mix near the top of the Central Division. In a game where every late bucket mattered, Cleveland did just enough down the stretch to stay in front.
Milwaukee Bucks: key win and off-court note
The Milwaukee Bucks secured an important home win over the Indiana Pacers, 110-102. Milwaukee, which had stumbled out of the gate, improves to 1-3 and stays within striking distance in a division that remains tightly packed, with only Detroit separating itself so far.
Off the court, Hoops Rumors notes that Kevin Porter Jr., who was waived by Milwaukee before the start of the regular season, isn’t expected to find a new NBA home right away, according to a source cited by the outlet. The same report adds that he has drawn some interest from overseas teams.
Indiana Pacers: loss in Milwaukee and injury concerns
The Pacers’ 110-102 defeat in Milwaukee drops Indiana to 2-2 after a balanced start to the year. More worrisome than the loss, though, are developments on the injury front. According to Hoops Rumors, guard Ben Sheppard, who tore the meniscus in his left knee last week, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday, head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters before Monday’s game.
Hoops Rumors also reports that starting center Ivica Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday’s win in Brooklyn and didn’t return after landing on teammate Kelly Oubre Jr.’s foot while going for a rebound. Those two cases could quickly test Indiana’s depth both in the backcourt and in the paint.
Bulls and Pistons: rough night for Chicago, Detroit stays perfect
The Chicago Bulls took one on the chin in Boston, falling 134-99 to the Celtics to slip to 1-3 and the bottom of the Central standings. The Detroit Pistons, meanwhile, were idle but remain alone atop the division at 3-0, the Central’s only undefeated team after Monday’s action.