Written by Rohit Ghosh
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The Indiana Pacers finally got some meaningful production from Roy Hibbert in game 2 to even the series at one game apiece. He became the fifth player in NBA history to score 28 points in playoff game after having 0 points in previous game. As the series shifts to the nation’s capital, Indiana will have to figure out a way to slow down the pace of an extremely fast and athletic Washington Wizards starting five. Washington stayed competitive in game two, but a series of forced shots in the final two minutes kept them from going up 2-0.
AccuScore has the Washington Wizards as slight 54.7 percent favorites to win game 3 of their best –of-seven series against the Indiana Pacers. The average score after 10,000 simulations is 91-90, with the Pacers having a 59.5 percent chance of covering the +4.5 spread. There doesn’t seem to be much of a home court advantage as both teams have comparable probabilities at big (10 points or more) and close wins (4 points or less). There is nearly a 55 percent chance the total combined score stays under 183.5.
AccuScore has star-rated picks against the spread and on Over/Unders this the Pacers vs. the Wizards and every other NBA playoff game. To see free live odds and the computer’s expert picks, visit the NBA Playoffs Odds and Expert Picks page…as a bonus, use the coupon code “NBAPlayoffs” and get 25% off an annual membership.
Betting Trends
•The Pacers are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games.
•The Pacers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games.
•The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the Pacers’ last 8 games.
•The Pacers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.
•The Wizards are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
•The Wizards are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games.
•The total has gone OVER in 7 of the Wizards’ last 9 games.
•The Wizards are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games at home.
Projected Leaders
Paul George: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 TOs
David West: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
John Wall: 19 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 TOs
Bradley Beal: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
What to Watch For
John Wall finished game 2 with just six points on 2-13 shooting. Expect Wall to be aggressive from tip-off and the home cooking should help. His shots weren’t necessarily bad attempts in game 2, just poorly timed. Especially late in the game, Wall rushed multiple possessions in an effort to tie the game. Wall’s production in the post season has been about the same in wins and losses. He averages 2 more points per game in wins.
Anyone who looks back at game 2 film will see Roy Hibbert out-running most of the Wizards lineup on the floor. By getting him the ball early in the game, the Pacers created a feeling of desire and urgency for their all-star center. If the Pacers are unable to get him involved early in game 3, expect the old Hibbert to re-emerge. The Wizards bigs are too mobile for his liking and the pace in Washington will make these games a nightmare for Hibbert.
