The NBA’s top scoring defense will be 2-point underdogs on the road at Amway Center, when the Indiana Pacers (14-10) battle with the Orlando Magic (12-13). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 206.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports Midwest – Indiana at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 7, 2018.
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic ATS Odds
Neither team was able to cover in their last contest. The Pacers (8-point favorites) defeated the Chicago Bulls, 96-90, while the Magic (4.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, 124-118. The Indiana game finished 25 points under the projected point total of 211, while the Orlando game went 35.5 points over the projected point total of 206.5.
The Pacers knocked down 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and held the Bulls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.452 (below the 0.518 mark opponents have averaged against Indiana this season). Orlando, on the other hand, held Denver to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.5 (below their season average of 27.7). Nikola Vucevic had a good game for Orlando, finishing with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, Myles Turner played a key role for Indiana with 18 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Pacers dominated this series last year, winning all three contests. In the last matchup, Indiana won 114-112. The Pacers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Magic. Indiana had a rate of 8.6, while Orlando posted a mark of 13.3. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Matchups featuring the Pacers have typically gone under the total (58.3 percent). Indiana comes into the contest with records of 14-10 straight up (SU) and 10-13-1 against the spread (ATS).
Coinciding with Indiana, games including the Magic also have typically gone under the O/U total (60.0 percent). Further, Orlando is 12-13 SU and 15-9-1 ATS.
The Pacers’ Darren Collison has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 9 assists,8.6 points,3.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Terrence Ross has averaged 19 points,1.4 steals during that same time frame for the Magic.
Orlando might struggle to score as they clash against one of the league’s best defenses. Indiana currently ranks third in defensive efficiency, while the Magic rank 21st in offensive efficiency.
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Pacers rank 14 in points in the paint per game (47.916666666666664) while the Magic rank 25 (43.04).
- Indiana ranks second in steals per game (9.4) while Orlando ranks 23rd (7.1).
- The Pacers rank third in points off turnovers per game (20.3) while the Magic rank 18th (16.6).
- Orlando ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (31.9) while Indiana ranks 28th (24.8).
- Orlando averages 5.52 blocks per game, which ranks 11 in the NBA. Indiana ranks 23 in blocks allowed per game (5.708333333333333).
- The Pacers rank ninth in fast break points per game (14.8) while the Magic rank 25th (10.4).
- The Pacers rank 1 in second chance points allowed per game (10.416666666666666) while the Magic rank 15 (13.16).
- Orlando ranks 6 in assists per game (26.2) while Indiana ranks 10 in assists allowed per game (23.333333333333332).
- Indiana ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.3) while Orlando ranks 19th (46.2).
- Indiana is 7-1 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Orlando is 4-1.
- The Pacers are 11-5 when they reach the century mark, while the Magic are 10-6.
- Indiana is 5-7-1 ATS on the road, while Orlando is 6-7 ATS at home.
- Of the Pacers’ 13 road games, they have 7 overs and 6 unders.
- In 13 home games, the Magic have 8 unders and 5 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- The Magic are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Pacers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Orlando has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Indiana has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 108.8 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.0 points per game (2.0 below their season average).
- The Pacers\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 3.6 for the season.
