CAVALIERS 98, PACERS 87: Kyrie Irving had 22 points and five assists in his return from a concussion and Cleveland held slumping Indiana to 38 points in the first half on a night the Pacers were without their leading scorer.

Semih Erden had season-highs of 18 points and eight rebounds in place of the injured Anderson Varejao and the Cavaliers took an 18-point lead into the fourth quarter before the Pacers narrowed the gap after it was too late.

Darren Collison had 18 points and All-Star center Roy Hibbert had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers, who were without Danny Granger.

Granger sprained his ankle in Tuesday’s loss to the Heat. He tested the ankle in pregame warm-ups, but was unable to play. It was a big blow for the Pacers, who have lost five straight, since he is a noted Cavaliers killer who has averaged 19.8 points against them in his career.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson left the game in the third quarter with a sprained ankle and did not return. … Irving missed three games with the concussion. … Dahntay Jones had three points and five rebounds, but shot just 1 of 8 in place of Granger.