The Los Angeles Lakers (43-28) play the Indiana Pacers (42-29) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday. Tip is 7:30 ET on ESPN. Both teams are trying to position themselves for the playoffs so this should be a great game. Let’s get into the NBA odds, storylines and expert picks.
Season Series Recap
Lakers lead 1-0 after a 124-117 win on February 8. They won at Crypto.com Arena. But recent form says this one could be different.
Recent Performances Of Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers: Struggling to Find Consistency
The Lakers lost to Orlando 118-106 on Monday night, failed to cover as 4 point road favorite. Luka Doncic had 32 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists. LeBron James had 24 points but couldn’t get the team to win.
Over their last 3 games the Lakers have been horrible on both ends of the floor, scoring only 103.3 PPG and allowing 127.3 PPG . Even with Doncic averaging 31.2 PPG in March the supporting cast hasn’t stepped up to win games.
Injury updates show LeBron James (groin), Rui Hachimura (patellar), and Maxi Kleber (patellar) are all probable so there is some uncertainty if they’ll play and how effective they’ll be.
Indiana Pacers: Riding High on Defensive Dominance
Meanwhile, the Pacers are on a 5 game win streak and 7 of their last 8. Their defense has been the key to this run, holding teams to 101.6 PPG over the last 3 games.
Monday’s 119-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves showed off their balanced attack. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 24 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block. He’s one of the most dynamic young guards in the league. Obi Toppin came off the bench and scored 20 points when they needed it most.
At home, the Pacers are nearly unstoppable with a 24-9 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They’re 4-0 on this homestand and rolling.
Lakers vs. Pacers Odds
Here’s a breakdown of the betting lines provided by BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Moneyline (ML):
- Lakers: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Pacers: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Lakers: +1.5 (-118)
- Pacers: -1.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U):
- Total: 235.5
- Over: -110
- Under: -110
- Total: 235.5
Expert Picks and Predictions
Prediction
Pacers 120 , Lakers 112
Moneyline Pick
BET PACERS (-115)
Pacers are playing better basketball right now. Defense has tightened up and Haliburton is getting better. Lakers are reeling especially on defense where they’ve given up an average of 127.3 PPG over their last 3 games.
Even if LeBron James plays, Lakers lack of depth and consistency makes them vulnerable. Pacers’ strong home record (24-9) helps. Expect Pacers to win again.
Against the Spread
PASS.
Small spread (+1.5 for Lakers, -1.5 for Pacers) so no value ATS. Bet moneyline or total.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 235.5 (-110).
Lakers have gone over in 4 of their last 5 but they’ve struggled offensively lately. Pacers have gone under in 7 of their last 10.
Indiana has been playing defense and Lakers will continue to struggle offensively. Under looks better here.
Key Injuries to Watch
Lakers:
- F Rui Hachimura (patellar): Probable
- F LeBron James (groin): Probable
- F Maxi Kleber (patellar): Probable
Pacers:
None.
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