The Indiana Pacers clinched a playoff spot by edging out the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-112 in a closely contested game on April 10. The Cavs were hampered by the absence of four starters, including Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, as they opted for load management after securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Haliburton’s 23 points and 10 assists led the Pacers, while Aaron Nesmith contributed with 22 points. Ty Jerome led Cleveland with 24 points, but they ultimately fell short despite a late-game surge.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the second half. The Pacers took the lead towards the end of the third quarter and held off a determined Cavs comeback. Despite a last-second shot attempt from Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland could not secure a win, which leaves their playoff preparations in an uncertain state.

The fantasy basketball playoffs are heating up, and savvy managers are looking for key players to bolster their rosters. De’Andre Hunter of the Cleveland Cavaliers, only 37% rostered, is primed for a significant role with Evan Mobley resting, showcasing his efficiency and three-point ability. Meanwhile, Ty Jerome is also worth a look for his potential contributions in assists and steals, especially if key players like Darius Garland rest during back-to-back games.

Scotty Pippen Jr. has emerged as a must-add for teams, averaging 35 fantasy points per game in Ja Morant's absence. Julian Champagnie offers a low-roster option for garbage time points, while Kevin Porter Jr. stands out as an under-the-radar asset, particularly with Damian Lillard sidelined. With playoffs looming, the right pickups could make all the difference.

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to impress as they marked their 15th consecutive victory with a thrilling 109-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets, despite missing key players like Donovan Mitchell and De'Andre Hunter. This remarkable performance highlights the Cavs' resilience and ability to perform in clutch situations, leading the NBA with a +38.6 clutch net rating. Their pursuit of a historic 70-win season is on the horizon, needing to win 15 of their last 17 games to achieve this milestone, with favorable matchups and a solid home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

While the path to 70 wins requires maintaining health and consistent performance, the Cavaliers have a strong incentive to keep winning, not only for their legacy but also to secure the best overall record in the league. With upcoming games against teams below them in the standings, they have a reasonable opportunity to extend their winning streak further. However, careful management of player health will be crucial as they aim for this historic achievement.

The NBA trade deadline this year was nothing short of eventful, with significant player movements shaking up the league. Luka Doncic now dons a Lakers jersey, while Jimmy Butler has joined the Warriors. Brandon Ingram's move to the Toronto Raptors has also raised eyebrows. The Atlanta Hawks were notably active, exploring trades for Ingram but ultimately refraining from significant asset loss, showing prudence given their draft pick situation and Ingram's health concerns. The Hawks aimed for a three-team trade but were unwilling to part with core players like Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. They have cleared cap space by trading De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, positioning themselves for a pivotal offseason.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made NBA history this season, securing a stunning 50 wins in just 60 games, currently holding the best record in the league at 50-10. Surpassing their previous season's total of 48 wins, they are on track for a franchise-record 68 victories. Despite this impressive performance, they still trail behind the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder in championship betting odds. ESPN's Charles Barkley has endorsed the Cavaliers as serious contenders, citing their recent domination of teams like the Knicks and Celtics and highlighting the acquisition of De'Andre Hunter as a crucial factor in their success.

With a current win streak of at least 10 games for the third time this season, the Cavaliers have shown resilience, including a remarkable 22-point comeback against the Celtics. Their strong performance has shifted perceptions in media circles, as many analysts begin to regard them as legitimate contenders for the NBA Finals. As the postseason approaches, the Cavaliers continue to build momentum, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.