Pacers vs. Spurs: 3 Best Bets
Earlier in the season, the San Antonio Spurs traveled to Indianapolis and lost to the Indiana Pacers, 152-111. It was the second loss of an 18-game losing streak. Since then, the Spurs have managed to win a bit, but they are still the worst team in the West.
The Pacers are eighth in the East and have deployed a high-octane offensive strategy this season. First in the NBA in both points and assists, they have one of the worst defenses in the league.
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As long as the Spurs are able to disrupt Indiana's offensive prowess, they could stand a chance.
San Antonio will be without Charles Bassey and Julian Champagnie. Former Spur Doug McDermott is out for the Pacers, as is Ben Sheppard.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Pacers -6.5 (-110)/Spurs +6.5 (-110)
Money line: Pacers (-275)/Spurs (+200)
Over/under: 242.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Victor Wembanyama OVER 11.5 rebounds (-118)
In his lone matchup with the Pacers, Victor Wembanyama nabbed ten boards. However, that was in early November. Since then, the Pacers are a bottom-five rebounding team, and over the last five games, Wemby has averaged 11.8 rebounds, creating a perfect storm for him to hit his over.
Opponent pick: Pascal Siakam UNDER 21.1 points (-118)
Over his last five games, Siakam has averaged 19 points. However, he only shoots 3.4 threes a game, which means he will continue to rely on getting to the basket. There, he will meet the best rim protector in the league, so expect him to struggle.
Team pick: Spurs +6.5 (-110)
The Pacers have an exceptional offense, but facing up against Wembnayama might throw a wrench in their plan of attack. Trying to make the playoffs, Indiana is 3-2 in their last five games and covered this spread in all of those wins, but an ugly game by Tyrese Haliburton in a blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans should stop their momentum. Plus, the Spurs looked all-around fantastic in their most recent game, so betting against them doesn't seem smart.
