NBA Action – Granger’s Pacers take on Bosh’s Raptors
The Toronto Raptors (16-24, 16-23-1 ATS, 23-17 O/U) have dropped three consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook, failing to cover the spread each time out. The Indiana Pacers (14-25, 20-18-1 ATS, 26-12-1 O/U) halted a three-game losing streak the last time they took the floor, cashing in for BetUS NBA sports betting fanatics in their second consecutive game.
The Raptors are coming off a close 102-98 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, failing to cover the spread narrowly as 4.5-point road favorites in the BetUS Sportsbook.
Toronto was led by suddenly-blossoming former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrea Bargnani who scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while all-star forward Chris Bosh added 25 points.
Bargnani had a potential game-tying shot blocked with 5.9 seconds remaining while the Raptors were outscored 44-26 in the paint and 34-27 in the final period.
The Pacers recorded a solid 110-106 overtime win over the struggling Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, covering the spread as 2-point home underdogs while winning their first this season by six points or fewer, but has recorded four wins by that same margin this month.
“For us to get a stop with 4 seconds left in regulation and then win in overtime really gets a big monkey off our back,” forward Troy Murphy said. “Hopefully, this gets us going a little bit.”
Here is a look at tonight’s key betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick:
Toronto is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto’s last 12 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana’s last 7 games
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
NBA Odds
Toronto Raptors +3 -110
Indiana Pacers -3 -110
Over 215½ -110
Under 215½ -110
Analysis: The fact that both of these teams have been so inconsistent this season makes this pick a toughie. However, I’m going to go with the often-surprising Pacers to win this game at home and tie the season’s series between the clubs at one game apiece while narrowly covering the spread. I also like the over in this matchup as Indiana has gone Over their posted O/U totals in four straight games and six of seven overall.
Lest anyone forget, the Pacers have knocked off both, the Celtics and Lakers at home this season.
