The previous week was successful for the Indiana Pacers, although our predictions were not (see last week’s predictions here) as we went 0-2. This brings our prediction posts to 1-6 (oof). However, we carry on.
For the coming week, the Pacers have four games in a seven day window, making it one of the busier weeks of the season. Without further adieu, let’s get to some game predictions.
Monday, December 26th: Pacers at Pelicans
Coming off of the Christmas holiday, the Pacers head to New Orleans to take on the surging Pelicans who are 20-12. The Pacers are also on a bit of a hot streak of their own winning the last two games against better teams in the east. We expect the Pacers to come out with a bit of confidence in this one, even though they will be playing a more talented team.
Our prediction: The Pacers win a tight one on the road for their third consecutive win.
Tuesday, December 27th: Hawks at Pacers
A day later, the Hawks come to Indianapolis to take on the Pacers. The Hawks are having an up and down season so far this year at 17-16. There have been rumors that the organization and Trae Young are not seeing eye to eye. However, back-to-backs are hard to win in the NBA, and the Pacers are not immune to getting tired in the second game.
Our prediction: Expect the Pacers to run out of gas and lose to Atlanta.
Thursday, December 29th: Cavaliers at Pacers
On Thursday, the Pacers welcome the Cavaliers into Indianapolis for a rematch of a game from two Friday’s ago that the Pacers lost. The Cavaliers are a much improved team this season and should be vying for solid playoff positioning towards seasons end. The Cavaliers are currently 22-12.
Our prediction: The Pacers take advantage of their home court advantage and win this game in a nail-biter.
Saturday, December 31st: Clippers at Pacers
To end the week, the Clippers come to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year. Paul George will be back in town with a Clippers team that has largely underachieved all throughout this season and who were expected to contend for a title this year (19-15). If our predictions are right, the Pacers will be coming off a win and a day of rest. They will also have home court advantage and there will be excitement in the air of Gainbridge for the holiday.
Our prediction: The Pacers win a thriller at home to end the year.