Indiana Pacers (34-26) vs. San Antonio Spurs (11-48)
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs March 3 2024 – As the NBA season progresses, the matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, at the Frost Bank Center, is catching the eyes of fans and bettors alike. The Pacers, with a commendable 34-26 record, are clearly having a stronger season compared to the Spurs, who are struggling at 11-48. This game not only highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams but also offers a plethora of opportunities for lawful online betting enthusiasts to analyze and place their bets.
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs March 3 2024 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Frost Bank Center |
| TV: | CW35 |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Tyrese Haliburton (PG) vs. Victor Wembanyama (C)
Tyrese Haliburton has taken his game to new heights in his first full season with the Pacers, averaging 21.4 points and an NBA-best 11.6 assists per game. The 24-year-old ranks 5th in the NBA in player efficiency rating and has Indiana eyeing their first playoff appearance since 2020. Haliburton excels at running the pick-and-roll and should have no issues slicing through San Antonio’s porous defense.
As the potential #1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, 20-year-old Victor Wembanyama has flashed brilliance with 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game for the Spurs. The French phenom is a matchup nightmare on both ends with his rare combination of size, skills and mobility. Wembanyama has scored 20+ points in three straight games and will look to exploit Indiana’s lack of rim protection.
This battle of two of the brightest young stars in the NBA could determine the outcome of this late-season inter-conference clash. If Haliburton continues his All-Star caliber play he should be able to pick apart San Antonio’s league-worst defense. However, if Wembanyama puts together one of his dominant performances, he could lead the Spurs to an unlikely upset on their home court.
Sizzling Pacers Look to Stay Hot Against Rebuilding Spurs
Winners of four of their last five games, the Pacers are hitting their stride at the right time and sit just 1.5 games back of 6th place in the East. Indiana boasts a top-10 offense, ranking 7th in both points per game (123.9) and assists per game (31.1). Haliburton spearheads a dynamic attack with his elite playmaking ability, while Buddy Hield provides elite floor spacing with his three-point marksmanship. The Pacers are efficient on offense (50.8% FGs) and take good care of the basketball (12.8 turnovers per game).
Ice Cold Spurs Continue Tailspin With NBA’s Worst Record
In the midst of a full rebuild, the Spurs have dropped five straight games and own an abysmal 11-48 record – the worst in the NBA. San Antonio ranks 25th in offensive rating and a woeful 30th in defensive rating. Outside of Wembanyama, they lack consistent scoring options and struggle to space the floor and move the ball effectively (29.6 assists per game). On defense, the Spurs allow the most points per game (119.7) thanks to porous perimeter defense (37% opponent 3PT%) and lack of rim protection outside of Wembanyama. Simply put, San Antonio lacks the talent to compete on most nights.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, bettors should keep a close eye on updates as the game approaches. The Pacers’ recent form and superior standing make them likely favorites, but the unpredictable nature of NBA games, coupled with the Spurs’ potential for upsets, means that all betting options should be considered carefully.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
Pacers are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Indiana Pacers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Pacers are 15-13 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Pacers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 20 of Pacers’ 32 last games at home.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends
Spurs are 0-5 in their last 5 games.
San Antonio Spurs are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Spurs are 16-17 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Spurs’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 15 of Spurs’ 26 last games at home.
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs Betting Picks
Given the Pacers’ strong offensive statistics and recent form, they emerge as the safer bet in this matchup. However, the potential for a high-scoring affair, especially considering the Pacers’ tendency for games to go over, suggests that the over on total points might also be a viable betting option. The Spurs, while underdogs, have shown resilience against the spread, making them an interesting pick for bettors looking for value.
In terms of NBA picks and prediction, the Pacers’ depth and offensive firepower, led by Haliburton, should ultimately prove too much for the Spurs to handle, despite Wembanyama’s individual brilliance. While the Spurs could keep it competitive, especially if they leverage their defensive strengths, the Pacers are expected to secure the win.
Score Prediction: Pacers 118, Spurs 105
