The Indiana Pacers travel to the Frost Bank Arena to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Here’s a Spurs vs. Pacers Prediction. This article will include a Spurs vs. Pacers Pick.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers have been in terrible form, as they’ve lost 18 of their last 20 games overall and they will be hoping to put an end to a 14-game losing streak after getting beaten by the Trail Blazers in a 127-119 loss on Wednesday. Ivica Zubac led the team with 17 points, Jalen Slawson added 17 points with seven rebounds and four assists, while Aaron Nesmith chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Pacers shot 51 percent from the field and 12 of 27 from the 3-point line, which are solid shooting numbers, but they were always fighting an uphill battle after leaking 79 points in the first half. The Pacers trailed in this one by as many as 22 points before they went on a late rally to get within three points late in the fourth quarter.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs have been on fire, as they’ve won 20 of their last 22 games overall and they will be gunning for a fifth straight victory in this one after sneaking past the Suns in a 101-100 win on Thursday. Victor Wembanyama led the team with 34 points, 12 rebounds and three steals on 10 of 20 shooting. De’Aaron Fox added 23 points with seven rebounds and three assists, while Julian Champagnie chipped in with 14 points. As a team, the Spurs shot 42 percent from the field and 10 of 34 from the 3-point line as they struggled to get going and looked headed for a defeat after falling behind by 10 points in the fourth quarter before they closed the final 7:49 on a 22-11 run capped by Wembanyama, who made the game winner with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock.
Why the San Antonio Spurs will win
- The Pacers have lost each of their last 15 games.
- The Spurs have won each of their last 11 night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight road games.
- The Spurs have covered the spread in each of their last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won each of their last four games as road underdogs against the Spurs.
- The Spurs have lost five of their last eight games as home favorites against Central Division opponents following a win.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs against the Spurs.
- The Spurs have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage against the Pacers.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Spurs’ last eight home night games following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Pacers’ last nine games as road underdogs have gone OVER the total points line.
San Antonio Spurs Player Facts
- Victor Wembanyama ranks 1st amongst qualified players for blocks per game (3.0) this season.
- Keldon Johnson ranks 2nd amongst qualified Guards for FG% (52.8%) this season.
Indiana Pacers Player Facts
- Jay Huff ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for blocks per game (1.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Spurs rank 1st in the league for Q1 win percentage this season (65.7%).
- The Spurs rank second in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (16.7).
- The Pacers have used 40 different starting fives this season—the most in the league.
- The Pacers rank 29th in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (46.9).
Spurs vs Pacers Prediction
The Pacers are keeping an eye on Obi Toppin, Micah Potter, Ben Sheppard, TJ McConnell, Quenton Jackson, Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam, who are all questionable, while the Spurs are keeping an eye on Stephon Castle, who is questionable. These teams last met on Jan 2 and it was the Spurs who rolled to a 123-113 win on the road. The Pacers are mired in their worst slump of the season while dealing with a long list of injuries, while the Spurs are flying high and full of confidence. Be sure to check the lineups before tipoff, as there is a massive injury cloud hanging over the Pacers, but as it stands, I am looking at the Spurs to get the win, but for the Pacers to get the backdoor cover in the end.