Lakers vs. Pacers NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, March 29 (Take the Over)
The Los Angeles Lakers are playing their best basketball at the right time. Los Angeles, currently in the NBA Play-In Tournament at No. 9 in the Western Conference, can still play its way into one of the Western Conference’s top-6 seeds, having won five straight to move within striking distance of the No. 6 Dallas Mavericks (2.5 games back).
Can the Lakers keep that momentum as short road underdogs in Indianapolis Friday night? The Pacers wrapped up a five-game road trip with a 3-2 record and return home for four of their next five games. Indiana is currently in the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference and trying to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament. The Pacers have a one-game lead over No. 7 Miami.
Indiana will try to pull away against a team that beat them just five days ago. Here’s the betting breakdown of the cross-conference matchup with a best bet.
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Lakers vs. Pacers odds, spread and total
Lakers vs. Pacers how to watch
- Date: Friday, March 29
- Game time: 7 p.m. EST
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
- Lakers record: 41-32
- Pacers record: 41-33
Lakers vs. Pacers injury report
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James (ankle): questionable
- Anthony Davis (knee): probable
- Gabe Vincent (knee): out
Indiana Pacers
- No injuries to report
Lakers vs. Pacers key players to watch
Los Angeles Lakers
Rui Hachimura: With Anthony Davis missing Wednesday’s road win over Memphis, Hachimura came up big with a 32-point, 10-rebound double-double on 11-of-14 shooting. Hachimura, a former top-10 pick, hadn’t made multiple 3-pointers in five consecutive games but lit up the Grizzlies from downtown, going 7-of-8. He is averaging 13.1 points per game this season while shooting 53.3% from the field.
Indiana Pacers
Pascal Siakam: Indiana’s big in-season acquisition, Siakam is averaging 21.8 points per game and was coming off back-to-back 30-point nights before being stymied by Chicago’s top-tier defense. In Wednesday’s loss to the Bulls, Indiana was held under 100 points for the first time this season and Siakam went just 2-of-7 from the field, finishing with 14 points (nine from the free-throw line).
Lakers vs. Pacers prediction and pick
Just five days ago, the Lakers went toe-to-toe with the up-tempo Pacers, winning a 150-145 shootout at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in a matchup where both teams shot over 55% from the field.
Could we see more of the same with a switch in venue? The Lakers are just 15-19 ATS on the road this season but have been the most profitable team in the NBA to the over (41-32-1), especially in away games (22-12) with a defense (No. 17 in net ranking) that doesn’t travel well.
By now, it’s no secret that Indiana plays at one of the fastest tempos (No. 2 in pace) in the NBA and averages 125.1 points per game at home. The Pacers can take advantage of a sub-par Lakers’ defense that is No. 27 in fast-break points allowed. On the offensive end, the Lakers have shot a blistering 54.8% from the field in two wins over Indiana this season and should see more success against a Pacers’ defense that is last in the NBA in opposing field goal percentage and 29th in scoring. Don’t be afraid of the sky-high total. Take the over in another shootout.
Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.