The Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards will face off for the second time this season Friday night. The Wizards defeated the Pacers in Indiana on opening night 114-107, and they opened as 6.5-point home favorites. The early money has come in on the Pacers and moved the line to Wizards -5, while the game total is now 228.5. Bettors should head to DraftKings sportsbook to tail the following Pacers-Wizards odds and predictions.
Best Pacers-Wizards Odds & Predictions
Wizards Off to 3-1 Start
Even though there is just a four-game sample size, the Wizards are playing significantly better on the defensive end, with 105.8 points allowed per game (fifth) and a net rating of +5.0 (ninth). They are a deeper, more balanced team this season as compared to a year ago, with Bradley Beal back (missed the second half) and now playing with Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, Monte Morris and Will Barton. Their only loss has been at Cleveland, which ended in overtime 117-107. They destroyed the Pistons 120-99 on Tuesday night, and that may have been a precursor to the game against the Pacers tonight.
Pacers in Tank Mode
Indiana is already in tank mode, as it has lost four out of five and the last two on the road by 14 and 15 points. They have allowed at least 114 points in each game. While their best defensive player, Myles Turner, has only played in one game, the rest of the team is just so poor defensively that it doesn’t seem to matter. Since Dec. 26, 2021, the Pacers are 12-42 straight up (.222) and 6-24 in their last 30 road games. They have been at least a 7-point dog in each of their last eight road games, with an average of 12.7. They have lost by an average of 16 in those games.
Final Odds & Pick
Washington is 5-0 against Indiana in their last five at home, plus the win on opening night. The over has hit in this series in the last five in Washington and in seven out of nine overall. There are concerns about the Pacers being able to keep up on the scoring end, and with the Pacers being dead last in points per game allowed, take the over on the Wizards team total.
Pacers-Wizards Pick: Wizards -5 (DraftKings -110); Wizards OVER 117.5 (DraftKings -120)
