While the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers have both locked up either a play-in spot or a playoff spot, there is still plenty at stake in game 71 for both teams. The Pacers are currently tied with the Hornets and could potentially jump them into the eighth seed, which would give them two attempts at making the playoffs. For the Lakers, they are currently a half game behind Portland for the final playoff spot and are currently in the play-in tournament. Both have plenty to play for and not much to lose. This Lakers vs Pacers betting preview will find the best NBA betting odds, list some betting trends and give you a prediction for the game.
Lakers vs Pacers Game Info
Los Angeles Lakers (40-30, 19-15 Away) at Indiana Pacers (33-37, 13-22 Home)
Date: Saturday, May 15, 2021
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
Lakers vs Pacers NBA Betting Odds
Moneyline: LAL: (-290) | IND: (+235)
Spread: LAL: -7 (-110) | IND: +7 (-110)
Total: 225 — Over: (-112) | Under: (-108)
Lakers vs Pacers NBA Betting Overview
Lakers Outlook
The Lakers are on a nice little winning streak as winners of three straight. They currently sit a half game behind the Trail Blazers for the last playoff spot and have only a game with the Pelicans after today’s game against Indiana. This team is truly all over the map on both sides of the ball and are really anything but consistent. While they are just starting to get everyone back from injuries, the cracks have been showing in this team throughout the season.
With the Lakers winning three straight and with an easy game with a Zion-less Pelicans team on Sunday, a win over the Pacers would be a good springboard into the playoffs. Hopefully for the Lakers, it will serve as a momentum boost for them going into a first round series where they will find themselves on the road for the first two games if they make it in. The defending champs are running out of time to put it all together.
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Pacers Outlook
Thanks to the absolute dump outside of the top six teams that is the Eastern Conference, the Pacers are securely in the play-in tournament with a record of 33-37. Domantas Sabonis continues to be one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA. Averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds, and almost seven assists a game, the problem with Indiana certainly doesn’t stem from his play. However, he is questionable to play today.
The problem with the Pacers lies in their supporting cast. While good, Brogdon struggles with consistency and the supporting cast isn’t as good as it needs to be. Caris LeVert has been playing well since he started playing for Indiana after a midseason trade and brief hiatus as he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his kidney. The pieces are there, and the potential is there too, but Indiana just can’t seem to put it together. They’re not an easy out by any means, but they don’t excel at one thing, and only have a chance if Sabonis shows up which isn’t always possible.
Lakers vs Pacers NBA Betting Trends
- Lakers 2020-21 Betting Trends: 31-37-1 ATS
- Pacers 2020-21 Betting Trends: 29-39-1 ATS
- Pacers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games.
- The Lakers are 2-2-1 against the over/under in their last five games
- In their only previous meeting this season, the Lakers beat the spread and the under won.
Lakers vs Pacers Stats
- Los Angeles is averaging 109.4 points per game (PPG) this season (23rd in the NBA)
- Los Angeles is surrendering 106.8 PPG on the season (2nd in the NBA)
- Indiana is averaging 115.2 PPG this season (6th in the NBA)
- Indiana is surrendering 115.3 PPG (25th in the NBA)
Lakers vs Pacers Prediction
Both the Lakers and Pacers have a lot to play for, so neither team is going to simply roll over. With that being said, this Pacers team already has enough trouble as it is winning with a full team. With Malcolm Brogdon out and the Lakers being the better defensive team, I see an easy Lakers win. I’d take the under while also betting on the Lakers to cover the spread.
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