Orlando Magic vs Indiana Pacers NBA Prediction, Pick and Preview, February 25, 2023

Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

The Indiana Pacers hit the road and will visit the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on Saturday night. These teams already faced each other 3 times so far this season and the Pacers lead 2-1.  

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are 18-17 against conference opponents, and they have been led by Jalen Smith, who averages 1.7 offensive rebounds per game. They have struggled in their last 10 games, winning only 2 and losing 8, with an average of 111.4 points per game. On the other hand, the Celtics have gone 25-12 against Eastern Conference opponents and have averaged 117.9 points per game, outscoring their opponents by 6.2 points per game. In their last 10 games, the Celtics have won 7 and lost 3, with an average of 119.0 points per game.

Buddy Hield has been the top performer for the Pacers, averaging 3.8 made 3-pointers per game and scoring 17.5 points while shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc. Tyrese Haliburton has also been a key player for the Pacers, averaging 19.9 points, 10 assists, and 1.8 steals over the past 10 games. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart has been a consistent contributor for the Celtics, averaging 11.1 points and 7.1 assists. Jayson Tatum has been the Celtics' top scorer, averaging 27.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 45.1% over the past 10 games.

The Indiana Pacers have struggled in their last 10 games, winning only 2 and losing 8. During this stretch, they have averaged 111.4 points, which is slightly below their season average of 112.9 points per game. Their rebounding and assist numbers have been fairly consistent with their season averages, as they are averaging 38.6 rebounds and 26.0 assists per game.

However, the Pacers' defense has been a major issue in their last 10 games. They have allowed an average of 118.7 points per game to their opponents, which is significantly higher than their season average of 114.3 points per game. This suggests that the Pacers have been struggling on the defensive end and are allowing their opponents to score at will.

In addition to their defensive struggles, the Pacers have also been struggling with turnovers. They are averaging 14.4 turnovers per game during this stretch, which is higher than their season average of 13.4 turnovers per game. Turnovers have been a major issue for the Pacers this season, as they rank 27th in the league in turnover differential, with an average of -2.4 turnovers per game.

Despite their recent struggles, the Pacers have a talented roster and have shown that they are capable of competing with the best teams in the league. 

Orlando Magic

The Magic have struggled this season, but they have shown some promise in recent games. They are led by rookie forward Franz Wagner, who has been a bright spot for the team this season. He is shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc and averaging 18.9 points and 3.5 assists per game. Paolo Banchero has also been a key contributor, shooting 38.5% and averaging 17.6 points over the past 10 games.

Orlando will be without Cole Anthony, who is listed as day to day with a wrist injury. This could be a blow to the team, as Anthony has been a key contributor for the Magic this season, averaging 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His absence could be a blow to the team's offensive production..

Over their last 10 games, the Orlando Magic have been playing relatively well, posting a record of 6-4. During this stretch, they have been averaging 109.6 points per game, which is a solid offensive output. They have also been doing well on the boards, grabbing an average of 43.9 rebounds per game. In addition, their passing game has been strong, with the team averaging 22.9 assists per game.

Defensively, the Magic have been doing a good job of forcing turnovers, averaging 8.7 steals per game, and blocking shots, averaging 4.4 blocks per game. These defensive efforts have helped limit their opponents to an average of 108.0 points per game, which is lower than their own scoring output.

Shooting wise, the Magic have been shooting at a respectable 45.5% from the field. This shooting percentage has helped them stay competitive in their games and secure some important victories.

BETTING TRENDS

Indiana are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games.

Indiana are 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games against Orlando.

Indiana are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games against Orlando.

Indiana are 0-11 SU in their last 11 games on the road.

Indiana are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing on the road against Orlando.

Orlando are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games.

The total has gone OVER in 11 of Orlando's last 14 games against Indiana.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games at home.

Prediction

The Pacers have been struggling on defense in their last 10 games, allowing an average of 118.7 points per game, which is higher than their season average of 114.3 points per game. On the other hand, the Magic have been playing well offensively in their last 10 games, averaging 109.6 points per game and shooting at a respectable 45.5% from the field.

Furthermore, in their previous three meetings this season, the teams have combined for high point totals, with the over hitting in 2 out of 3 games. Additionally, the Magic have shown some promise in recent games, with strong rebounding, passing, and defensive efforts, which could lead to more possessions and scoring opportunities.

PICK: Over 231 (-110)

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