The Lakers have very little to play for, but the Pacers are in a bunch for the fourth through six seed in the East. The Pacers control their own destiny for the most part as they have four games remaining with two of them coming against Miami.
Los Angeles has nothing to play for as they have already locked up the number one seed. But, with three games remaining, the Lakers would really like to find a flow on offense.
Lakers Trying to Find Their Offense
Since bubble play resumed, Los Angeles has been the worst team in the league offensively. They are dead last in scoring, field-goal percentage, and three-point shooting.
They only put up 97 points in a loss against Houston on Thursday night. The Rockets are not exactly known for their shutdown defense.
Lakers coach Frank Vogel has been snake bitten against his former team. He has a career record of 0-8 against the Pacers and hopes the Orlando bubble can change his luck.
Lebron James is listed as questionable, still healing a sore groin, but Anthony Davis is listed as probable. I do not see the Lakers letting James see the floor with very little to play for, and Davis’ minutes will probably be limited. Vogel will be looking for someone to step up on offense with the big two limited.
Pacers Looking for Strong Finish
While home court advantage will not matter much since they are playing in Orlando, the Pacers will be looking to climb to the four seed. This would get them in a matchup against either Philadelphia or Miami, and they would avoid the 3/6 matchup against Boston.
The Pacers started by winning their first three games since the restart before falling on Thursday night. They lost 114-99 against the red hot Phoenix Suns. Malcolm Brogdon led the way for Indiana with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
T.J. Warren has been one of the best players in the bubble. Since the restart, he is averaging 33.8 points per game, which ties him with James Harden for the highest scoring average. Warren had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds in Thursday night’s loss.
Lakers/Pacers Betting Lines
Los Angeles is listed as 8 point favorites. There has not been a total posted yet, but we figure it to be around the 210-212 area.
Free Betting Pick
Indiana won the only other matchup between these two teams in December. With the Lakers struggling and likely to sit James, I am all over Indiana tonight. I thought this line would come out closer to -4 with the injury concerns.
Indiana has been playing much better and has much more motivation to get the win. Look for a big game for Warren as he continues his hot play inside the bubble. I think this line will move as sharps jump on Indiana. Get on this one early.
Betting Pick: Pacers +8
