The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t need a lot of help. Even so, they got a prime reinforcement without making any trades. Max Strus got off to a slow start to the season after missing a big chunk with a foot injury he sustained during the preseason.

Donovan Mitchell scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers to defeat the Indiana Pacers 127-117 in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Strus chipped in 13 points (4-8 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 22 minutes during Tuesday's 127-117 victory over the Pacers.

Squaring off against the Pacers for the first time this season, the Cavs could be without one of their most important bench players.

The NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers enter Sunday's home game against the Indiana Pacers with a chance to extend the Cavs' winning streak to 13.

The NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers fell in Sunday's home game against the Indiana Pacers with a chance to extend their winning streak to 13.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) shoots in front of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) and Max Strus (1) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki ...

The Cavaliers led 82-77 in the third quarter before going on a 10-0 run that included 3-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang and Mobley. Cleveland led 100-89 after three periods. Indiana cut its ...

The Indiana Pacers handed the Cavs their fifth loss of the season on Jan. 12. The two teams tussle again in Indiana tonight and you can find out how to watch for free.

Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and Bennedict Mathurin 19 for the Pacers, who had their six-game winning streak halted. Myles Turned added 17 points. The Cavaliers led 82-77 in the third quarter before going on a 10-0 run that included 3-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang and Mobley. Cleveland led 100-89 after three periods.

Heading into a matchup between the NBA's top teams, the Cavs and Thunder are both dealing with injuries to key players.

Get real-time NBA basketball coverage and scores as Cleveland Cavaliers takes on Oklahoma City Thunder. We bring you the latest game previews, live stats, and recaps on CBSSports.com