Despite facing a shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks squad, the Indiana Pacers were defeated in humiliating fashion on the road. Entering the final quarter on a deadlock, the defending champs cemented their victory with a blistering 21-0 run in the fourth quarter thanks to the heroics of Jrue Holiday.
However, the Pacers will have no time to pout and hang their heads, as the Detroit Pistons await them back at home on the second leg of a back-to-back. In their lone meeting so far this season, the rebuilding Pistons handed Indiana an embarrassing loss. Given how deflated the team looked down the stretch against the Bucks, what should be a sure win could be 50-50 battle instead.
On the season, the Pacers are 9-7 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and 7-14 against the East while the Pistons are 2-11 on the road and 3-13 against conference foes. Indiana ranks 12th in offensive rating and 13th in defensive rating while Detroit sits at 29th and 22nd, respectively, on the same departments.
Pacers vs Pistons Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
The latest odds from WynnBET (sign up with this link) have the Pacers as overwhelming -10.0 favorites at home against the visiting Pistons. Meanwhile, Indiana is a -500 moneyline favorite while Detroit is currently a +400 moneyline underdog.
The over/under for this contest has been set at 209.5. The oddsmakers are expecting a slugfest.
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup Tonight
SF: Caris LeVert
PF: Domantas Sabonis
C: Myles Turner
SG: Chris Duarte
PG: Malcolm Brogdon
Pacers Injury Report
Torrey Craig is listed as a game time decision against the Pistons with a non-COVID illness. TJ McConnell (wrist) and TJ Warren (left foot) remain out for this game.
Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
Do not pay attention to the overwhelming swing of the odds toward the Pacers’ side. After a humiliating defeat against a team missing nearly all of its top players, it’s certainly difficult to fathom giving Indiana a lot of belief to march towards victory.
The Cade Cunningham-led Pistons, despite touting an anemic offense, has the tools to make the Pacers uncomfortable, especially with the latter on tired legs after being ran out of the gym by the Bucks. This could be a grand opportunity for bettors to score big, since Indiana’s putrid play late against Milwaukee could very well spill over to this game. Logic be damned, I smell an upset here.
Pacers 102, Pistons 104
Make your pick now on WynnBET.
What channel is the Indiana Pacers game on?
Thursday’s contest will air on Bally Sports Indiana (Indianapolis) and Bally Sports Detroit (Detroit) and will tip off at 7 PM ET.
Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Live Stream
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Pacers Next Game and Schedule
Indiana will face Miami on the road following a rare four-day break before a home game against Houston for their last game before Christmas. A roadie for the second time at Chicago and a home game against Charlotte follow.
Dec. 21 @ Miami
Dec. 23 vs Houston
Dec. 26 @ Chicago
Dec. 29 vs Charlotte