Nothing makes a stronger case for a 72-game NBA season with significant draft lottery reform than tonight’s starting lineups for the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets.
My Pacers vs. Nets predictions and NBA picks recognize that one of these teams wants to lose more than the other — which is saying something — on Thursday, April 9.
Pacers vs Nets prediction
Pacers vs Nets best bet: Pacers -3 (-110)
The most obsessed of NBA fanatics will struggle to comprehend the lineups from both the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets tonight.
It would be quicker to point out recognized players that will start, but that would require faith that the teams will not bench someone late in the afternoon.
Instead, focus on the known factors.
The Pacers have done everything they can to secure a top-four pick in the 2026 NBA draft, a necessity to keep their pick.
Meanwhile, the Nets are fighting with the Jazz and the Kings for top-three lottery odds.
Remember, in the current system, the worst-three records in the NBA yield a 14.0% chance at the No. 1 pick, while the No. 5 team in that conversation has “only” a 10.5% chance.
This loss means something to Brooklyn.
Yes, this is a system that needs to be adjusted, but until it is, one can justifiably and cynically expect the Nets to find a way to lose this game. With a spread within a bucket, that loss is likely to be one ATS as well.
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Pacers vs Nets same-game parlay
As the Pacers and Nets have put the finishing touches on their respective tanks, they have both veered toward the Under.
Indiana has surprisingly leaned into its misery this week, inducing two Unders in its last two games, while Brooklyn has been an Under team all season long (cashing 45 in 79 games), including notching Unders in five of its last seven contests.
Pacers vs Nets SGP
- Pacers -3
- Under 224.5
- 1H Under 109
Our "from downtown" SGP: Nets Early, Pacers Late
Consider this a value play.
In a game that is likely to be decided by one team’s stubborn insistence on losing, the lead flipping after halftime should not be worth such an aggressive payout.
Pacers vs Nets SGP
- Pacers -3
- Nets 1H +1.5
- Under 224.5
Pacers vs Nets odds
- Spread: Pacers -3 (-110) | Nets +3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Pacers -155 | Nets +130
- Over/Under: Over 224.5 (-110) | Under 224.5 (-110)
Pacers vs Nets betting trend to know
Indiana was last favored on Feb. 19, marking a stretch of 23 games since then. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Nets.
How to watch Pacers vs Nets
| Location | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Date | Thursday, April 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-IN, YES |
Pacers vs Nets latest injuries
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