Free NBA Pick: Spurs vs. Pacers NBA Odds
Looking for San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Spurs taking on the Pacers on Friday, October 21st, 2022 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Spurs-Pacers matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(0-1) San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers (0-1)
Date: Friday, October 21st
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue: Spectrum Center
NBA Moneyline Odds: Spurs +145 | Pacers -211 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Pacers -4.5
NBA Betting Total: OFF
Friday, October 21st the San Antonio Spurs play the Indiana Pacers for the first time this season. Both clubs arrive in search of their first season win following their opening night losses.
The Spurs got thrashed 102-129 on their home floor by the Hornets while the Pacers battled the Wizards succumbing 107-114.
Last season, the squads played twice with the Pacers sweeping the season series. The Spurs hold the all-time record having bested the Pacers in 55 of their 98 matches.
San Antonio Spurs
The opening game for the Spurs was a sign of things to come over and over and over this season. While head coach, Gregg Popovich did allude to his young squad’s missteps make no mistake this is a purposeful choice by the franchise.
San Antonio wants to win the Victor Wembanyama draft sweepstakes but is also keenly aware the upcoming 2023 draft has a deep class of quality prospects.
In the interim, Pops will develop his young charges and put them in situations they wouldn’t typically find themselves if the Spurs were still vying for titles and playoff berths.
Keldon Johnson is the player who the Spurs have clearly earmarked as the one youngster who’ll be part of the future core and subsequently he’ll be featured this season.
In his first outing, he ascended to the challenge delivering a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds while adding four assists. The other double-figure scorers were Jakob Poeltl (14), Tre Jones (14), Doug McDermott (12), Devin Vassell (11), and Josh Primo (10).
In his augural professional game, rookie Jeremy Sochan made an impact albeit in a more subtle way — while his shot was cold (2-8) he grabbed seven rebounds (two offensive boards), two assists, and two steals and was the top starter in plus/minus with -2.
Indiana Pacers
It’s hard to know if the Pacers owner not committing to the tank this season was real or simply gaslighting. Regardless, the way the Pacers competed in their opening match of the season against the Wizards gave hints the players at least want to win.
Rookie Bennedict Mathurin made a big impression and while the top draft pick Pablo Banchero garnered most of the national attention in the nightly highlights don’t sleep on the Canadian being a dark horse to win Rookie of the Year.
Mathurin played 28 minutes in a reserve role delivering 19 points, seven rebounds (two offensive boards), two assists, and two steals while connecting on three of his seven 3-point attempts and posted the best plus/minus (+9) of the Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton was equally impressive leading the Pacers with 26 points, seven assists, and four rebounds while Buddy Hield offered a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Aaron Nesmith (foot) and Jalen Smith (knee) are questionable while Daniel Theis (knee) is expected to remain out.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
- The Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
- Over is 5-2 in Spurs’ last 7 games following a straight-up loss
- Over is 7-1 in Pacers’ last 8 overall.
- Spurs are 2-10 ATS in the last 12 meetings versus the Pacers
Free San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers NBA Prediction:
The situation could get very ugly for the Spurs in a hurry as after this contest their next 12 games feature three games versus the Timberwolves, two versus the Nuggets, six 2022 playoff teams (76ers, Bulls, Raptors, Grizzlies, Bucks, Warriors) and the healthy Clippers.
If they lose this match the Spurs could be 0-14 in a blink of an eye.
The Pacers have a bit more friendly opening schedule with the Pistons on tap next prior to embarking on a five-game road trip.
As much as we know the Spurs are tanking, losing too many games early could be brutal on the emotions of the players so I think Pops will be pushing his squad to do better in this outing. The problem is Rick Carlisle will be delivering the same speech and his side has more talent.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Spurs +4.5
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