The Toronto Raptors (56-22) go head-to-head against the Indiana Pacers (47-32) at Air Canada Centre. The game will air on CTV Sportsnet Toronto at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Toronto opened as an 8-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 208.5 points.
Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors Free Prediction
The Pacers come in on a high note after dismantling the Golden State Warriors in their last contest, 126-106. The Pacers forced 16 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.618 (above their season average of 0.526). Victor Oladipo had a good outing for Indiana, contributing 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
The last time the Raptors played, they won big over the Boston Celtics, 96-78. The Raptors forced 16 turnovers and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.5 (above their season average of 23.2). With 15 points and six rebounds, Serge Ibaka had a good performance for Toronto.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play a significant role in this matchup. Toronto commits the fourth-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.6 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Indiana forces the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.1 percent).
Indiana heads into the game with records of 47-32 straight up (SU) and 45-33 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pacers’ 78 games that accepted bets, 46 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Toronto owns records of 56-22 SU and 41-37 ATS. Contrary to Indiana, a little over half of Raptors games have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Oladipo (25.2 points, 6.4 assists and 3.6 steals) has been fantastic for the Pacers while Ibaka (13.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) has made solid contributions to the Raptors.
The Raptors have won two out of three against the Pacers this season, including a seven-point victory the last time these teams met. Toronto covered as a 4-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 205 points, which was 7.5 points below the projected point total of 212.5 points. The Raptors made 24 of their 28 free throws (85.7 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.9 vs. 22.0). Jonas Valanciunas recorded a double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds.
Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Indiana is 22-17 ATS with 23 unders, 15 overs and 1 push.
Toronto is 20-19 ATS at home with 20 unders and 19 overs.
Indiana is 26-3 when they allow below 100 points, while Toronto is 26-5.
The Raptors are 51-14 when they reach 100 points, while the Pacers are 38-16.
Toronto ranks second in blocks per game (6.1) while Indiana ranks 26th (4.1).
The Raptors rank third in three pointers attempted per game (32.9) while the Pacers rank 26th (24.5).
Indiana ranks second in steals per game (8.8) while Toronto ranks 13th (7.7).
The Raptors rank eighth in fast break points per game (13.5) while the Pacers rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (12.3).
Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.7) while Indiana ranks 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.9).
The Pacers rank 15th in second chance points allowed per game (12.6) while the Raptors rank 25th (13.2).
Toronto averages 24.2 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Indiana ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (23.1).
The Pacers average 18.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks second in the league. The Raptors rank sixth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Toronto is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Pacers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 104.2 points per game (7.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.4 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
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