THE Indiana Pacers will face the Orlando Magic on Sunday in Orlando, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. ET. This will be their third meeting of the season, with the Magic having won the previous two meetings.
The Pacers (35-29) are eighth in the Eastern Conference and have won five of their last 10 games. They lost their last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-111 on Thursday.
Tyrese Haliburton led the losing effort, recording 23 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and a steal. Pascal Siakam added 24 points for the Pacers.
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Meanwhile, the Magic (37-27) are fifth in the Eastern Conference, winning eight of their last 10 games. They lost their last game 98-74 against the New York Knicks on Friday.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic’s loss with 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks.
Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Pacers are trying to stay afloat in the bottom half of the playoff standings. The Magic are just two games ahead of them. Both teams are looking to avoid the play-in tournament.
The Indiana Pacers have two players on their injury report: Doug McDermott (calf) will be out for the game, while Bennedict Mathurin (right shoulder) is out for the season.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle will likely use a starting lineup of Tyrese Haliburton (PG), Andrew Nembhard (SG), Aaron Nesmith (SF), Pascal Siakam (PF), and Myles Turner (C).
Meanwhile, the Magic of Orlando also have two players listed on their injury report: Markelle Fultz (left knee) and Jalen Suggs (thigh) are listed as questionable for the game. Their involvement will be a decision at match time.
Coach Jamahl Mosley will likely use a starting lineup consisting of Jalen Suggs (PG), Gary Harris (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Paolo Banchero (PF) and Wendell Carter Jr (C).
Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic Prediction
The Magic have already taken care of the Pacers, going 2-0 this season and that too on the road. The Magic are favored to win again and protect their home field on Sunday.
Orlando has the NBA’s second-best defense over the past two weeks, improving its fourth-ranked defensive rating by nearly six points per 100 possessions during that span.
The loss of Mathurin to Indiana, coupled with the potential return of Jalen Suggs for Orlando, could still reverse the trend.
Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic: Betting Tips
Money line: Pacers (2.10) vs. Magic (1.77)
Spread: Pacers +1.5 (1.95) vs. Magic -1.5 (1.87)
Total (P/U): 1.91 (o225.5) / 1.91 (u225.5)
Given their record and circumstances, betting on the Orlando Magic to cover the spread can be a profitable bet.
Additionally, betting on the over could also prove to be safe and profitable. The teams crossed the 225.5 line in their previous two meetings, with their first meeting ending with a score of 128-116, for a total of 244. In their second meeting, the match ended 117-110, with a total of 227 points.
