Pacers vs. Wizards NBA Picks
Once again the Pacers provided hope for their fans by bouncing back after their series opening loss at home. It was hardly a dominant victory but one that provided some hope for the rest of the series thanks to the fact that they actually got some production from Roy Hibbert.[ad-4468020]
Indiana Pacers (1-1) vs Washington Wizards (1-1)
Friday May 9
Verizon Center – Washington, DC
8:00PM
Moneyline: Washington -185, Indiana +160
Spread: Washington -4
Total: 184
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Indiana
Indiana can hardly coast but they are back in the series.
In G2 Hibbert led all scorers with 28 points. He was 10 of 13 from the field and made all his free throws while chipping in 9 rebounds. Best of all he committed no turnovers and committed just two fouls.
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If they can actually have a game where Hibbert and Paul George are a factor than this team will really be cooking with gas.
Indiana at +4 actually looks like really good value for this game three.
Washington is not nearly as strong at home as they are on the road and in an underdog role it is actually comforting to back the Pacers because we have seen what they can do on the road during the season.
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Washington
The Wizards got a split over the first two games of this series and are now looking in good shape to advance to the next round. They certainly could have taken both games at Indiana and now they have to find a way to be as effective at home as they have been on the road in the playoffs.
I am not sure exactly what it is but they are just not as good on favourite roles.
Even though Hibbert was strong for Indiana in G2 so was Wizards C Marcin Gortat who led the team with 21 points and 11 rebounds – who remembers when two centers dominated like that in the playoffs.
The Wizards probably would have won G2 had John Wall had a decent game (he shot 2 for 13).
At home I expect him to rebound easily.
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If Wall has shot the ball just a little better the Wizards probably would have returned home up 2-0.
Hopefully they have sharpened their focus and take care of business to put the Heat on Indiana. Either way I think this one is going to be a close one.
Spread prediction: Indiana +4
Total prediction: Over
Score prediction: Washington 100 – Indiana 97
