Despite the recent string of events happening around the franchise, the Indiana Pacers scored a decisive victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night for their second win in a row after losing four straight to improve to 11-16 on the season.
Friday, however, will see the Blue and Gold match up against a tough customer as the Dallas Mavericks head to the Circle City for their first meeting this season. Led by Luka Doncic, the Mavs have had an up-and-down campaign so far, sitting in the middle of the pack in the ever-so-tight West with a deadlock in the win-loss column.
On the season, the Pacers are 8-6 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and 4-4 against the West while the Mavericks are 6-6 on the road and 2-6 against Eastern Conference foes. Indiana ranks 13th in offensive rating and 13th in defensive rating while Dallas sits at 22nd and 15th, respectively, on the same departments.
Pacers vs Mavericks Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
The latest odds from WynnBET (sign up with this link) have the Pacers as -2.0 favorites at home against the visiting Mavericks. Meanwhile, Indiana is a -125 moneyline favorite while Dallas is currently a +105 moneyline underdog.
The over/under for this contest has been set at 213.0.
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup Tonight
SF: Caris LeVert
PF: Domantas Sabonis
C: Myles Turner
SG: Chris Duarte
PG: Malcolm Brogdon
Pacers Injury Report
TJ McConnell (wrist) is expected to miss most of, if not the entire season after a hand surgery. Justin Holiday (health and safety protocols) has been ruled out against Dallas. TJ Warren (left foot) remains out for this game.
On a separate note, coach Rick Carlisle has entered health and safety protocols. Lead assistant Lloyd Pierce is expected to take over on the interim.
Sources: Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle entered COVID-19 health and safety protocols and could miss multiple games.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 9, 2021
Indiana Pacers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
The Pacers have some momentum as they gun for a third straight dub. It seems like all the recent news about Indiana being more open blowing the roster up has conversely provided a sense of urgency for the team to play with more force and conviction for a full 48 minutes.
Dallas, however, is kind of a perfect storm against Indiana. Not only do they have the best player in this matchup in Luka Doncic, but their style of play is one that usually erupts against the Blue and Gold’s inconsistent defense. Expect the Mavericks to pull away and ultimately outgun the Pacers in a high-scoring affair
Pacers 114, Mavericks 121
Make your pick now on WynnBET.
What channel is the Indiana Pacers game on?
Friday’s game will air on Bally Sports Indiana (Indianapolis) and Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas, Texas) and will tip off at 7 pm ET.
Indiana Pacers vs Dallas Mavericks Live Stream
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Pacers Next Game and Schedule
The Pacers continue their homestand against league leader Golden State. They then head to Milwaukee for their third meeting with the defending champions before a home game against Detroit in the second night of a back-to-back, followed by a road game against Miami after a rare four-day break.
Dec. 13 vs Golden State
Dec. 15 @ Milwaukee
Dec. 16 vs Detroit
Dec. 21 @ Miami