The Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers meet Wednesday in NBA action at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Washington Wizards Betting Preview

The Washington Wizards have won 35 games in back to back seasons and enter the third year under coach Wes Unseld. The Wizards finally moved off of Bradley Beal and enter a bit of a youth movement. The Wizards aren’t expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, but this could be a fun team to watch, mainly with Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma running the show in the starting lineup. Both guys can get hot and put on a show, and that should be exciting for Washington fans. There’s a big difference between being bad and being bad and fun. The Wizards have a chance to be fun, especially with a veteran point guard in Tyus Jones. The Wizards haven’t won 40 or more games since the 2017-18 season. 

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview 

The Indiana Pacers won 35 games last year and enter the third year under coach Rick Carlisle. The Pacers haven’t made the playoffs since 2019-20. The Pacers are hoping the additions of Bruce Brown and Obi Toppin are enough to end the postseason drought. Tyrese Haliburton is coming off his best season yet and is blossoming into a young star guard, while Myles Turner continues to be a productive big man. The question is what the Pacers do with Buddy Hield and if he’s truly going to be traded. The Pacers have nice pieces in place, but it is fair to question if it’s enough in what’s become an improved East over the years.

Randy’s Pick

The Indiana Pacers are the more well-rounded deeper team and should be favored, but I’m not sure if they’re 7 points better. Again, the Wizards no longer have star power, but there are guys who can go crazy offensively and that makes them worth a look in the big underdog role. The Wizards may not win a lot of games this season, but they’ll have their chances to make bettors happy. Seven points is a lot, especially in a season opener. Give me the Wizards and the free buckets.