Indiana Pacers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 28/03/2024, 23:53  by Joseph King | Modified on 28/03/2024 at 23:54 in NBA Prediction

A rematch of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament final sees the Indiana Pacers hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday evening. Indiana comes into this matchup sitting sixth-place in the Eastern Conference with a 41-33 record while the Lakers are ninth in the West with a record of 41-32.

The Pacers are seeking revenge after losing the aforementioned final back in December, as well as a 150-145 shootout that these two teams played out less than one week ago. They are currently occupying the sixth seed and the final automatic postseason qualification spot. Indiana holds a slim one-game lead over the Heat in seventh and a 1.5 game lead over the eighth-placed 76ers. With only eight games remaining on their schedule, the Pacers are in a good position to return to the NBA Playoffs after a three-year absence. Indiana comes into this game off the back of a 125-99 blowout away loss to the Bulls on Wednesday. It was the team’s second loss in their last three appearances, although Indiana has been in pretty solid form overall with six wins from their last 10. The Pacers are the league’s highest-scoring team, ranking first in points per contest at 122.7.

The Los Angeles Lakers remain in contention for automatic entry into the postseason with a top-six finish if they can keep up their current form as the season winds down. They currently sit ninth and trail the sixth-placed Kings by 2.5 games in what is a very congested West standings. As things currently stand, LeBron James and company would have to pass through the play-in tournament for a spot in the playoffs. The Lakers are coming off a 136-124 away victory over the Grizzlies on Wednesday. It was the teams fifth win in a row as they really look to be picking up steam. On this current run, LA is averaging 130.2 points per game while allowing 118.4.