The Pacers are in a great situational spot this evening. They have had 3 days off and won't play again until Friday. They played awfully in the 4th quarter against San Antonio last Friday, allowing the Spurs to outscore them by 11(by missing their last 14 shots), and should be prepared to play in L.A. tonight. An all out, well rested effort is what I foresee and Indy has actually won their last 2 games in L.A. Indy is #2 in defensive efficiency and #1 in opponents' FG % and possess the interior size to rebound with Gasol and Howard. They are #1 in overall rebounding and blocked shots per game.
Additionally, the Lakers have lost or played close games against other top team defenses this season(Memphis(L), Brooklyn(W by 5), L.A. Clippers(L),San Antonio(L).
Importantly, Kobe has flu-like symptoms and missed this afternoon's shootaround. Given his history, though, it is uncertain if he will sit out tonight's game. Regardless, getting 7.5 points on a good defensive/rebounding squad with ample time to gameplan is tasty. If Kobe is out, even better. I'm anticipating he will not be anywhere near 100%, if he suits up.
I'm taking the Pacers +7.5 a little early since this may drop depending on Kobe's status. Good luck with whatever you play this evening.
The Pacers are in a great situational spot this evening. They have had 3 days off and won't play again until Friday. They played awfully in the 4th quarter against San Antonio last Friday, allowing the Spurs to outscore them by 11(by missing their last 14 shots), and should be prepared to play in L.A. tonight. An all out, well rested effort is what I foresee and Indy has actually won their last 2 games in L.A. Indy is #2 in defensive efficiency and #1 in opponents' FG % and possess the interior size to rebound with Gasol and Howard. They are #1 in overall rebounding and blocked shots per game.
Additionally, the Lakers have lost or played close games against other top team defenses this season(Memphis(L), Brooklyn(W by 5), L.A. Clippers(L),San Antonio(L).
Importantly, Kobe has flu-like symptoms and missed this afternoon's shootaround. Given his history, though, it is uncertain if he will sit out tonight's game. Regardless, getting 7.5 points on a good defensive/rebounding squad with ample time to gameplan is tasty. If Kobe is out, even better. I'm anticipating he will not be anywhere near 100%, if he suits up.
I'm taking the Pacers +7.5 a little early since this may drop depending on Kobe's status. Good luck with whatever you play this evening.
I think Indi falls a little short in this matchup.
Hibbert vs Howard West vs Gasol
Please explain. My POD is Under but I was leaning Lakers as well. And LA has been known to play well even without Kobe if you recall towards the end of last season they were big against the spread without him.
“A Fool And His Money Are Soon Parted” -Thomas Tusser 1557
I think Indi falls a little short in this matchup.
Hibbert vs Howard West vs Gasol
Please explain. My POD is Under but I was leaning Lakers as well. And LA has been known to play well even without Kobe if you recall towards the end of last season they were big against the spread without him.
You have Hibbert atall and strong guy vs Howard...usually DH has good games vs indy and he will have another here but not enough.
West will have Gasol and it evens out imo.
George is also a tall versatile guy vs Kobe ( i like his to play if he is sick )
Hill has a good advantage on the PG.
All in all, LA wins but in a close game.
+7.5 or +8 buying the hook @-114
M_W
--Hill and Augustin should have room to maneuver against rookie Morris and off the bench Duhon. That is a key matchup in favor of Indy. No Nash/Blake to facilitate the offense is going to present some problems tonight, imo.
--6'8" lanky George on Kobe should be very interesting, especially if Kobe is ailing.
--Gasol is playing with tendinitis and Howard still looks like he needs more games to get back to his old style. They will be tested by Hibbert/Mahmini/West/Hansbrough.
You have Hibbert atall and strong guy vs Howard...usually DH has good games vs indy and he will have another here but not enough.
West will have Gasol and it evens out imo.
George is also a tall versatile guy vs Kobe ( i like his to play if he is sick )
Hill has a good advantage on the PG.
All in all, LA wins but in a close game.
+7.5 or +8 buying the hook @-114
M_W
--Hill and Augustin should have room to maneuver against rookie Morris and off the bench Duhon. That is a key matchup in favor of Indy. No Nash/Blake to facilitate the offense is going to present some problems tonight, imo.
--6'8" lanky George on Kobe should be very interesting, especially if Kobe is ailing.
--Gasol is playing with tendinitis and Howard still looks like he needs more games to get back to his old style. They will be tested by Hibbert/Mahmini/West/Hansbrough.
I think Indi falls a little short in this matchup.
Hibbert vs Howard West vs Gasol
Please explain. My POD is Under but I was leaning Lakers as well. And LA has been known to play well even without Kobe if you recall towards the end of last season they were big against the spread without him.
My take is that Hibbert is one of the few guys that has the size to contest Howard, especially since he is still recovering from surgery. Hibbert doesn't have the same offense, obviously, but creating havoc in the lane is his job and he does it quite well. He leads the league in blocks.
West can shoot from the outside and Gasol is not comfortable when playing faceup PF's who can either shoot or drive. Gasol has the overall advantage, but it's not as significant as some may believe. Gasol does not defend as well as West.
Also, don't forget the Lakers deficiencies at PG. The Lakers have problems against good team defenses and Indy is one of the best at denying passing lanes and clogging the lane.
Last year's Lakers team, with no Howard and steady(but average) PG play cannot be compared to this year's team. Just too many changes.
I think Indi falls a little short in this matchup.
Hibbert vs Howard West vs Gasol
Please explain. My POD is Under but I was leaning Lakers as well. And LA has been known to play well even without Kobe if you recall towards the end of last season they were big against the spread without him.
My take is that Hibbert is one of the few guys that has the size to contest Howard, especially since he is still recovering from surgery. Hibbert doesn't have the same offense, obviously, but creating havoc in the lane is his job and he does it quite well. He leads the league in blocks.
West can shoot from the outside and Gasol is not comfortable when playing faceup PF's who can either shoot or drive. Gasol has the overall advantage, but it's not as significant as some may believe. Gasol does not defend as well as West.
Also, don't forget the Lakers deficiencies at PG. The Lakers have problems against good team defenses and Indy is one of the best at denying passing lanes and clogging the lane.
Last year's Lakers team, with no Howard and steady(but average) PG play cannot be compared to this year's team. Just too many changes.
Thanks for your input mellow. Its nice when someone responds with good info that makes sense. Laying off the play. My local has it at -8 anyway. Now that I think of it India's half court D could very well spell trouble for D'antoni's run and gun style offense.
“A Fool And His Money Are Soon Parted” -Thomas Tusser 1557
Thanks for your input mellow. Its nice when someone responds with good info that makes sense. Laying off the play. My local has it at -8 anyway. Now that I think of it India's half court D could very well spell trouble for D'antoni's run and gun style offense.
Thanks for your input mellow. Its nice when someone responds with good info that makes sense. Laying off the play. My local has it at -8 anyway. Now that I think of it India's half court D could very well spell trouble for D'antoni's run and gun style offense.
I wish the NBA forum would have more in-depth discussion and presentation of data/facts. It's always good to hear opposing opinions. It makes the wagering process more fruitful in the long term.
Thanks for your input mellow. Its nice when someone responds with good info that makes sense. Laying off the play. My local has it at -8 anyway. Now that I think of it India's half court D could very well spell trouble for D'antoni's run and gun style offense.
I wish the NBA forum would have more in-depth discussion and presentation of data/facts. It's always good to hear opposing opinions. It makes the wagering process more fruitful in the long term.
Who's gonna score for pacers?? Think they gonna struggle offensively in this one.
Lakers(if kobe is in) or no play
Points differential is a good metric to use when a team has low scoring output. Out of the bottom 10 scoring teams, Philly, Minnesota, Chicago and Indy all have differentials of 1.2 or less. The other 6(Sac, Char, New Orleans, Det, Orl,Wash) all have differentials of 3.5 or greater. Indy(and the other low differential teams) all are currently playing solid defense which generally allows them to stay in games. 7.5 or 8 points is too much to be getting with 3 days rest, imo, regardless of their offensive woes.
Who's gonna score for pacers?? Think they gonna struggle offensively in this one.
Lakers(if kobe is in) or no play
Points differential is a good metric to use when a team has low scoring output. Out of the bottom 10 scoring teams, Philly, Minnesota, Chicago and Indy all have differentials of 1.2 or less. The other 6(Sac, Char, New Orleans, Det, Orl,Wash) all have differentials of 3.5 or greater. Indy(and the other low differential teams) all are currently playing solid defense which generally allows them to stay in games. 7.5 or 8 points is too much to be getting with 3 days rest, imo, regardless of their offensive woes.
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