The surging Los Angeles Lakers are hinting at another postseason run from a play-in spot, and they put their five-game win streak on the line tonight against the Indiana Pacers.
These teams met in L.A. last weekend, with the Lakers edging out the Pacers in a 150-145 thriller behind Anthony Davis’ 36-point, 16-rebound effort. But, with LeBron James and Davis listed as questionable, the Lakers enter as underdogs in the latest NBA odds.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are clinging to the No. 6 seed in the East. They’re just 7-7 in March and were blown out by the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday at the end of a grueling road trip.
Check out my free NBA picks for Lakers vs. Pacers ahead of a Friday, March 29 matchup with big playoff implications.
Lakers vs Pacers predictions
My best bet: Pascal Siakam Over 22.5 points (-115 at bet365)
I’m staying away from Los Angeles Lakers props here with the uncertainty about whether their two superstars will play. There’s more clarity around the Indiana Pacers, who’ve played their best basketball at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season — and that brings me to the Pascal Siakam odds.
Siakam is looking more and more comfortable as a leading option in the Indiana offense, with plenty of flashbacks to his best days with the Toronto Raptors. He’s averaging 25.4 points in his last seven games, and he’s shot 50% or better from the field in eight of his last nine outings.
His free-throw attempts have also ticked up over the past week, with at least eight trips to the charity stripe in each of his last three contests.
I’m overlooking a 2-for-7 dud against the Bulls in midweek and taking the Over on the Siakam points prop tonight, especially with the visitors in a rut defensively beyond Davis’ elite rim protection.
Spicy P poured in 36 points against the Lakers last weekend, with a 16-for-29 line, and there should be plenty of opportunities to get out in transition against this L.A. roster.
With Tyrese Haliburton at the controls, the hosts should put up a big total even if LeBron James and Anthony Davis play, and I see Siakam being at the center of it all.
Lakers vs Pacers same-game parlay
Pascal Siakam Over 22.5 points
Tyrese Haliburton double-double — Yes
Andrew Nembhard Over 9.5 points
Haliburton served up a double-double in L.A. last Sunday, and I’m picking him to repeat that trick here. He’s had at least 12 points in 13 straight games, so it’s really just going to come down to his assists tally.
He’s averaging 11 dimes a game this season and he’s finished with double-digit assists seven times already in March. There should be some easy helpers for Haliburton in transition tonight.
Backcourt mate Andrew Nembhard also continues to give the Pacers quality minutes. He’s been locked into a bigger role after Indiana traded Buddy Hield’s sharpshooting at the deadline, and I’m adding his points prop to my SGP.
While he’s averaging 9.9 ppg this month, there’s been a noticeable uptick over the past week. Nembhard has scored 15 points or more in three of his last four outings, including an 18-point night in a losing cause against the Bulls.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Lakers vs Pacers odds and trends
Lakers vs Pacers opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles +3 | Indiana -3
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +129 | Indiana -143
- Over/Under: Over 242 | Under 242
Lakers vs Pacers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Pacers enter as 3.5-point favorites after a 3-2 road trip, but the Lakers have covered the spread in four of their last five games and a 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday made it five wins in a row for L.A. It’s tough to see the visitors keeping up with Indiana if James or Davis sit out, so watch for the line to shift depending on the final verdict on their availability.
- The Lakers have won both meetings so far this season, including the In-Season Tournament final, but they’re just 14-20 on the road this season.
- The Pacers have peppered the Under lately — it’s 7-3 in their last 10 contests — yet the total is still jacked up to 243.5 tonight. That feels too high.
- The Under has been a winning ticket in four of the last five meetings between these teams, with last weekend’s shootout looking like an anomaly.
Lakers vs Pacers betting trend to know
The Pacers have hit the Under in 26 of their last 38 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Pacers.
Lakers vs Pacers game info
| Location: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana, IN |
| Date: | Friday, March 29, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Spectrum, Bally Indiana |
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