Posted on
2/29/2008 2:20:57 PM
NBA Basketball Betting - Struggling Pacers Face Streaking Raptors
By Eric Williams
While the Indiana Pacers, (22-36 SU, 26-32 ATS, 29-26-3 O/U), have underachieved big-time in veteran head coach Jim O’Brien’s first season, failing to develop any type of chemistry or consistency in this seemingly lost season for the franchise, the Toronto Raptors, (32-24 SU, 32-23-1 ATS, 31-25 O/U), are a franchise that is headed in the right direction under general manager Bryan Colangelo and task master Sam Mitchell.
The Raptors have won seven of their last ten and three consecutive games coming into tonight’s matchup, including an emphatic 107-85 shellacking of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Pacers have dropped three consecutive games, including a thorough 113-107 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Indiana has also failed to cover the spread in seven of its last ten games, including three straight while the Raptors are 7-3 against the spread in their last ten games and have covered the spread as favorites in three straight games, including Monday’s contest at Indiana when they won 102-98 to cover a three-point spread.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Wagering Free Picks:
The Pacers are 17-38-1 ATS in their last 56 vs. Eastern Conference.
The Pacers are 3-7 ATS in their last ten road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.
The Raptors are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Under is 5-0 in Pacers last five vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Over is 5-1 in Raptors last six when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
The Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Analysis: With the Pacers having lost to the Magic earlier in the week at home by just four points, I think the Pacers are going to come back with another solid effort against the Raptors tonight in order to cover the big spread here. I know this team has underachieved nearly all season, but I say take the Pacers to cover the spread in a losing effort.
NBA Free Picks: Indiana + 10½ Points/Under 208 Total Points
07:05 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Indiana Pacers +10½ -110
Toronto Raptors -10½ -110
Over 208 -110
Under 208 -110
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