The Indiana Pacers (1-4) visit Capital One Arena to take on the Washington Wizards (3-1) Friday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pacers vs. Wizards odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Pacers come into this game off a 124-109 road loss to the Chicago Bulls Wednesday, failing to cover as 7-point underdogs. Indiana started its road trip with a 120-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Monday as 12-point underdogs. Its lone win on the season came against the Detroit Pistons.
Indiana has some young talent, despite the slow start. G Bennedict Mathurin (No. 6 overall in 2022 NBA Draft) and G Tyrese Haliburton (No. 12 overall in 2020 NBA Draft) lead the team in scoring, averaging 20.8 and 22.6 respectively.
The Wizards have had a surprisingly good start to the season and are 2-1-1 against the spread (ATS). Their lone loss came 117-107 against the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday as 3.5-point underdogs.
Washington beat the Pacers 114-107 in its season opener with G Bradley Beal scoring a team-high 23 points. However, F Kyle Kuzma leads the team in scoring with 21 points per game.
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Pacers at Wizards odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:13 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pacers +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Wizards -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Pacers +5.5 (-112) | Wizards -5.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Pacers at Wizards key injuries
Pacers
- C Daniel Theis (knee) out
Wizards
- G Corey Kispert (ankle) out
- G Delon Wright (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pacers at Wizards picks and predictions
Prediction
Wizards 114, Pacers 111
Moneyline
PASS.
I think Indiana will hang around, but I would hesitate to bet it outright as Washington has been surging to start the season.
Against the spread
LEAN PACERS +5.5 (-112).
Indiana will have C Myles Turner back which it didn’t in the first battle between these two sides. Turner played 24 minutes and recorded 4 blocks in his season debut against Chicago.
The Pacers will want to increase the pace Friday. They rank 5th in the NBA in pace, and with Turner’s ability to spread the court, its transition and halfcourt game should improve.
The Wizards thrive because of their ability to shoot efficiently which Turner should limit, and the quickness of Haliburton and Mauthrin should aid the Pacers’ ability to slow Washington.
Washington turns the ball over at the 3rd-highest rate in the league. With a quick pace and a good shot blocker, Indiana should be able to keep this game close.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 228.5 (-108).
The Pacers play at a quick pace and have the 4th-worst net rating in the NBA. Turner’s presence should slow the pace and help their defensive rating as he’s arguably the best rim protector in the league.
Indiana is 2-3 O/U and Washington is 1-3 O/U. The first battle went Under despite a combined 45 free throw attempts and 26 offensive rebounds. I would expect a similar battle in this game.
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