The Indiana Pacers (6-8) match up against the Houston Rockets (10-5) Wednesday at Toyota Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pacers vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Pacers won 2-0 last year
The Pacers laid an egg at the Toronto Raptors Monday with a 130-119 defeat as 3.5-point favorites. C Myles Turner missed that one, and the team allowed the most points it had in 9 games. G Bennedict Mathurin continued his breakout season with 28 points and 5 boards on 4-for-6 shooting from downtown.
The Rockets were nipped 101-100 by the Milwaukee Bucks Monday as 3.5-point dogs. G Fred VanVleet dropped 26 points with 6 boards and 5 dimes. G Jalen Green had 21 points and 9 boards, but he’s a question mark for this one.
Pacers at Rockets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pacers +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Rockets -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Pacers +6.5 (-110) | Rockets -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Pacers at Rockets key injuries
Pacers
- G Andrew Nembhard (knee) out
- G Aaron Nesmith (ankle) out
- C Myles Turner (calf) questionable
- C James Wiseman (Achilles) out
Rockets
- C N’Faly Dante (ankle) out
- G Jalen Green (illness) questionable
- G Cam Whitmore (knee) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pacers at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 102, Pacers 100
Moneyline
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said that Turner is expected to play in this one. As for the Rockets and Green, we’re not expected to get word on him until closer to Gametime. If Green does not go, the Pacers have a big-time mismatch in the backcourt.
G Tyrese Haliburton is struggling with his shot, but VanVleet can’t guard him. F Dillon Brooks is 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, and he’ll probably be on Mathurin. Who checks Haliburton? I look for him to have a field day.
Take TYRESE HALIBURTON OVER 31.5 POINTS+REBOUNDS+ASSISTS (-110).
Against the spread
I love the PACERS +6.5 (-110), and frankly, I could see them winning. I give the Rockets the edge, though, because they’re at home, and the Pacers are going to have trouble with C Alperen Sengun underneath.
Over/Under
Houston is a great defensive team as they rank third in defensive rating in the league. The Under has cashed in 3 of 5 matchups, and all of those were in Houston.
I like the UNDER 231.5 (-110).
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