Indiana Pacers (30-24) vs. Toronto Raptors (19-34)
Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors February 14, 2024 – As the NBA season continues to heat up, the matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, presents an intriguing clash for fans and bettors alike. With the Pacers sitting comfortably above the .500 mark and the Raptors struggling to find consistency, this game at the Scotiabank Arena promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams. As we dive into the NBA expert free picks, the differing fortunes of these two teams set the stage for an exciting battle.
Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors February 14, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Scotiabank Arena |
| TV: | SportsNet |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Tyrese Haliburton (PG) vs. RJ Barrett (SG)
Tyrese Haliburton has been phenomenal in his first full season with the Pacers, averaging 22.1 points, 11.7 assists and 4.9 assist-to-turnover ratio per game. The dynamic point guard makes the Pacers offense click with his elite playmaking and has shown development as a scorer. However, his slender frame makes him a target on the defensive end at times.
RJ Barrett has become an essential piece of the Raptors offense this season, increasing his scoring average to 20.8. The athletic wing has shown more aggressive shot-making while still contributing playmaking abilities as secondary ball-handler. Unfortunately, RJ’s inefficient shooting percentages and narrow vision could prove insufficient against an efficient Pacers defense.
Haliburton put on a show against Barrett’s physicality and driving ability in this contest, taking advantage of Barrett’s average perimeter defense while using his strength to take Haliburton into the post. But his all-around contributions make Haliburton even more essential to his team’s success.
Pacers’ Balanced Attack
The Pacers enter this matchup boasting one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA, averaging 124.1 points per game on 50.8% shooting from the field and 38.2% from deep. Indiana excels at sharing the ball, ranking 3rd in assists per game (30.9) behind Tyrese Haliburton’s elite playmaking. They also crash the offensive glass effectively, pulling down 10.2 offensive boards per contest. If the Pacers move the ball crisply and pound the paint, they should be able to exploit Toronto’s 25th ranked defense.
Raptors Battle on Boards
Despite their struggles this season, Toronto has succeeded in controlling the backboards. The Raptors rank 8th in total rebounds per game (43.3) and pull down an impressive 11.2 offensive rebounds per outing. Big men like Scottie Barnes lead the charge, using their athleticism and length to generate extra possessions. This could pose issues for an undersized Pacers squad that gives up 14.3 second chance points per game. Indiana must box out and close out defensive possessions if they want to slow down Toronto.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
Betting odds for this match have yet to be set, but given Indiana’s strong record and Toronto’s struggles it seems likely they will enter as favorites. Bettors should monitor both spread and moneyline odds when available as well as over/under figures which may be affected by Indiana’s high-scoring nature or Toronto’s ability to compete at home.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
Pacers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Indiana Pacers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Pacers are 15-11 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 19 of Pacers’ 28 last games at home.
Toronto Raptors Betting Trends
Raptors are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Toronto Raptors are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Raptors are 13-14 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Raptors’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 9 of Raptors’ 25 last games at home.
Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Picks
Considering the current form and statistical analysis, the Indiana Pacers seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their offensive efficiency, led by Tyrese Haliburton, should prove to be too much for the struggling Raptors. However, the Raptors’ home advantage and the potential for RJ Barrett to impact the game should not be overlooked.
When choosing where to place your bets, consider utilizing reliable sportsbooks online that offer comprehensive odds and betting options. The Pacers’ offensive prowess, combined with their decent record against the spread on the road, makes them a solid pick. However, the potential for a high-scoring affair suggests that the over on the total points could also be a wise choice.
Score Prediction: Pacers 118, Raptors 108
