The Los Angeles Lakers (24-13) host the Indiana Pacers (16-19) Friday at the Staples Center in their first game back from the NBA All-Star break. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Pacers-Lakers odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Pacers at Lakers: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:45 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Pacers +155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Lakers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Pacers +4.5 (-110) | Lakers -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Pacers at Lakers: Key injuries
Nuggets
- SF Caris LeVert (medical condition) out
- SF T.J. Warren (foot) out
Grizzlies
- SF LeBron James (ankle) probable
- SF Kyle Kuzma (heel) probable
- PF Anthony Davis (calf) out
- C Marc Gasol (COVID-19) out
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Pacers at Lakers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Pacers 112, Lakers 108
Money line (ML)
PASS with a slight lean on Pacers (+155) because the Lakers (-190) have an implied win probability of 65.2%, and Los Angeles doesn’t win this game that often given its injury situation.
The Lakers are down two starting bigs—AD who was a Defensive Player of the Year front runner before his injury and first-year center Gasol.
This should factor in heavily considering Indiana attempts the highest volume of shots at the rim, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.
LA is going to need a vintage LeBron James defensive effort full of chase-down blocks and help-side savviness.
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Against the spread (ATS)
Even though the PACERS +4.5 (-110) significantly underperformed expectations in the first half of the season with a sub.-500 overall record and a 14-21 ATS record, Indiana All-Star PF Domantas Sabonis should dominate the paint this game.
I’d like the Pacers more in this spot if they had a wing who could create their own shot, but LeVert is in line to make his first start for Indiana Saturday.
However, the Pacers won both meetings last season against the Lakers, one game with AD in the lineup and one without, and Indiana has covered three straight vs. LA.
Also, according to Pregame.com, close to 90% of the bets have been placed on the Lakers for all the obvious reasons, but generally, the obvious play doesn’t cash against the House.
GIMME PACERS +4.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
Over/Under (O/U)
Since my projection is Over, I lean in that direction but officially I’ll PASS because the Lakers are 23rd in offensive rating in the last nine games, which AD has missed.
Furthermore, the Under is 5-2 in the last seven Pacers-Lakers meetings and 5-1 in LA’s last six games as a favorite so if you are going to bet the total strongly consider Under.
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Also see:
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: The Players Championship and NBA’s second half
- Lakers news: LeBron and Lakers lead NBA merchandise sales, followed by Nets (LeBron Wire)
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