As of Wednesday night, there are only three undefeated teams currently playing in the bubble since the NBA restart. One of those teams just so happens to be an Indiana Pacers squad that isn’t playing at full strength. Even with Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis ailing, Nate McMillan’s troops continue to pass each and every one of their tests with flying colors. Before taking the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, they’ll put their unblemished mark on the line versus the also undefeated Phoenix Suns. Though LeBron James and company already locked up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, they’ve struggled mightily in the restart with it the only team not to average 100 points per game. Will that change tonight versus a Pacers squad that’s conceded an average of 110 points per game in Orlando? After scoring a total of 86 points last time out, you might want to seek their team total out at online sportsbooks and hammer the over!
This game will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 8, 2020, and the game will be broadcast live on TNT. You can bet on NBA Odds at BookMaker.eu the remainder of the season.
Futures Odds Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers poor showings against the Raptors and Thunder have done absolutely nothing to affect their NBA futures odds. They’ve been stuck at +250 along with the Milwaukee Bucks even though both squads have suffered surprising losses in Orlando. Regardless, the Lake Show is still the team to beat in the West in the eyes of the oddsmakers. As for the Pacers, they currently offer up an enticing 100-1 payback should they shock the NBA betting world and win its first-ever NBA title. For a franchise that’s only reached the NBA Finals once back in 2000, it’s likely a stretch. Regardless, the Pacers have kicked butt and taken names in the bubble where they check in a perfect 3-0 SU and ATs heading into Thursday’s tilt with the Suns. As for the Lakers, they’re 2-2 SU and a bankroll burning 1-3 ATS in Disney World.
Head-To-Head Results
These squads met up only once in the regular season at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where the Pacers scored the 105-102 outright win and cover as short 1-point underdogs. Sabonis logged a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Brogdon went for 14 points, six assists and five rebounds. Each likely won’t be suiting up for the second meeting unfortunately. Los Angeles got 20 points from both LBJ and Dwight Howard, yet still managed to hang in the battle of the boards ultimately losing it 43-42 even though Anthony Davis missed the game due to a sprained ankle. The triumph moved Indy to 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four overall meetings with the under cashing in three of those matchups.
Key Stat
The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis shot a combined 10-of-30 from the field against the Thunder last time out; it was their lowest combined field goal percentage as teammates. If wondering why LA has looked terrible offensively through four games in the seeding round, that is why. Both All-Stars have yet to find their bearings in Orlando. LBJ’s highest point total to this point is 22. Davis erupted for 42 versus the Utah Jazz, but only went for 14 against Toronto and nine last time out versus OKC. Having said that, it’s only a matter of time until the duo goes off together. When they do, no team is going to want to be on the receiving end!
Player to Watch
T.J. Warren: The small forward out of NC State put forth some very respectable numbers over the course of the regular season in averaging 19.7 points and a handful of rebounds per game. He has however morphed into an offensive dynamo in the bubble where he’s destroyed all opposition for an average of nearly 40 points per game! Heck, he even went on to log his only double-digit rebounding tally of the season by ripping down 11 caroms versus the Washington Wizards. That’s very impressive considering he only averaged 4.0 per game during the regular season. He’s been unconscious from deep in knocking down 14-of-23 attempted shots, so Los Angeles best make it a point to follow the big man around the perimeter at all times.
NBA Odds Pick
As much as I want to think the Lakers flip the switch in this one, they’re still going to have a war on their hands dealing with a Pacers outfit playing some truly inspired basketball. On top of that, they might come in a bit fatigued after running with the Houston Rockets last time out. Indiana has shot 48 percent or better from the field in every game played to this point. Should LA’s offensive woes continue, that should be more than enough to allow them to hang all the way through if not win the game outright. Either way, I’ll be taking the points with Indiana in this tilt with the Lakers still experimenting with their lineups in an attempt to become more cohesive before the playoffs arrive. Meanwhile, the Pacers are simply just balling – sign me up!
Prediction: Pacers 106, Lakers 103
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