By Offense meets defense when the Los Angeles Lakers (24-3) head to Indiana to take on the Pacers (18-9). The game can be seen on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 17, 2019.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Prediction
The last time the Lakers played, they beat the Atlanta Hawks, 101-96, but they failed to cover as 12-point favorites. The game’s total points (197) came in well under the projected point total of 230. The Lakers held the Hawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.7 (below their season average of 22.7) and had a free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.185). With 32 points on 12-for-21 shooting, LeBron James was the game’s high scorer.
The Pacers won big over the Charlotte Hornets in their last outing, 107-85, easily covering as 11.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (192) came in well under the O/U total of 209.5. Indiana’s 0.511 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Charlotte, who had a rate of 0.335. The Pacers’ mark was below their season average of 0.524, while the Hornets’ was below their season average of 0.516. With 14 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, Indiana’s Myles Turner had a good outing.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Pacers won 136-94. The Pacers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 9.1) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.0 vs. 18.0).
Los Angeles holds records of 24-3 straight up (SU) and 16-11 against the spread (ATS). Of the Lakers’ 27 games, 15 have gone under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 18-9 SU and 14-11-2 ATS. Much like Los Angeles, games involving the Pacers also have a tendency to finish under the projected point total (59.3 percent).
Points could be at a premium in this battle between a pair of the league’s premier defenses. Indiana currently ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (102.1) and Los Angeles is second (100.9).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 8-7 ATS with 8 unders and 7 overs.
Indiana is 7-5-2 ATS at home with 8 unders and 6 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Indiana is 5-1 and Los Angeles is 10-0.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Lakers are 20-3 and the Pacers are 18-5.
Indiana ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (11.3) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (15.8).
The Lakers rank second in steals per game (8.9) while the Pacers rank 22nd (7.0).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.9) while Indiana ranks 23rd (12.1).
The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.2) while the Pacers rank 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.5).
Los Angeles ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.5) while Indiana ranks 15th (4.8).
The Pacers rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.5) while the Lakers rank 14th (33.4).
Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (41.4) while Indiana ranks eighth (44.3).
The Pacers rank fifth in assists allowed per game (22.3) while the Lakers rank eighth (23.0).
Indiana ranks 12th in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while Los Angeles ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.0).
Over its last five games, Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Indiana is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 9.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
