The Washington Wizards (39-30) challenge the Indiana Pacers (40-29) at Capital One Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports Midwest – Indiana at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards ATS Prediction
In the Pacers’ last game, they were defeated by the Toronto Raptors, 106-99. Toronto made good use of their 28 trips to the free throw line, converting on 24 of them (85.7 percent). Indiana, meanwhile, was 12-17 (70.6 percent). Indiana’s Al Jefferson played well, finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wizards barely escaped the Boston Celtics in their last game, 125-124. Washington’s 27.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Boston, who had a rate of 20.4. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 23.5. Bradley Beal was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 14-for-27 shooting.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Washington. Washington ranks 16th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of Indiana forces the fifth-most turnovers in the NBA (14.9 percent).
Indiana heads into the game with records of 40-29 straight up (SU) and 39-30 against the spread (ATS). Pacers games have a tendency to go under the total (59.4 percent).
Meanwhile, Washington is 39-30 SU and 31-36-2 ATS. Wizards games also have gone under the total 52.2 percent of the time.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Pacers won the most recent matchup 98-95, covering as 4-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 193 points, which was 18 points below the projected point total of 211 points. The Pacers knocked down 22 of their 24 free throws (91.7 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 23.8). Victor Oladipo scored a game-high 33 points.
Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Indiana is 19-14 ATS with 20 unders, 12 overs and 1 push.
Washington is 11-21-2 ATS at home with 17 overs, 15 unders and 2 pushes.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Indiana is 25-2 and Washington is 18-3.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Wizards are 36-17 and the Pacers are 32-14.
Indiana ranks second in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while Washington ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.0).
The Wizards rank fifth in assists per game (24.8) while the Pacers rank 21st (22.0).
Indiana averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. Washington ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
The Wizards rank 15th in three pointers allowed per game (29.2) while the Pacers rank 27th (30.8).
Indiana ranks third in fast break points per game (15.0) while Washington ranks 15th (11.6).
The Pacers rank 16th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8) while the Wizards rank 26th (13.4).
Indiana averages 44.3 points in the paint per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Washington ranks 20th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.8).
The Wizards rank 22nd in blocks per game (4.3) while the Pacers rank 25th (4.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders.
Washington is 1-3-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Pacers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 1.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 114.2 points per game (6.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (9.6 above their season average).
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