Indiana Pacers (30-25) travel to the Toronto Raptors (19-35) tonight. Although injury updates remain in the air for now, this is expected to be a close game. However, the visitors have been considerably more consistent throughout the season. But they are coming off a stunning loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Although that team looks possibly better than earlier in the year, they still should not have lost 111-102 to them. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors lost to a young San Antonio Spurs squad. Regardless tonight provides an opportunity for both sides. Either the Pacers get closer to Philadelphia, or the Raptors close a distant gap to the current play-in teams.
But how do you see this playing out? Is taking the favorites to win by more than 3 the best bet of the day?
Indiana Pacers vs Toronto Raptors Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Indiana Pacers | -3.5 -110 |
O 245 -108 |
-162 |
| Toronto Raptors | +3.5 -110 |
U 245 -112 |
+136 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Indiana Pacers @ Toronto Raptors
Date And Time: February 14, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada
Key Stats
Indiana Pacers (Averages)
Points: 123.7
Points Allowed: 122.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 46.8/92.1 for 50.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.6/35.7 for 38.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.5/21.1 for 77.9%
Rebounds: 10.0 Offensive, 30.7 Defensive, 40.7 Combined
Assists: 30.9
Steals: 7.7
Blocks: 5.8
Turnovers: 13.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 45.1/89.6 for 50.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 10.9/29.2 for 37.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 21.1/26.6 for 79.4%
Rebounds Against: 10.9 Offensive, 31.9 Defensive, 42.8 Combined
They are trying to get back into form. Although off-nights like against the Hornets happen, it’s bad if they pile up. However, this remains one of the best-scoring teams in the league. After all, they average the most on 123.7 PPG. When clicking, they are very hard to stop.
However, there are a couple of injury concerns. Notably, Tyrese Haliburton is a game-time decision with a nagging hamstring affecting his availability tonight. This is significant as he initiates their offense. He not only leads the Indiana Pacers in scoring but also pitches in 11.7 APG. His exclusion would be a big loss. Also, Myles Turner remains a game-time decision with an illness. You need to monitor the status of these players up until tip-off.
Toronto Raptors (Averages)
Points: 113.7
Points Allowed: 117.6
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.7/89.7 for 47.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.7/32.8 for 35.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.6/22.2 for 74.8%
Rebounds: 11.3 Offensive, 32.0 Defensive, 43.4 Combined
Assists: 29.1
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 4.8
Turnovers: 12.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.3/90.5 for 48.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.3/35.2 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.8/19..7 for 80.3%
Rebounds Against: 10.6 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 44.1 Combined
Toronto needs to be able to win games like tonight. Especially if certain members of the Indiana Pacers are unable to go. The Raptors are in front of their home crowd and they had a letdown game against the Spurs. However, neither side of the ball looks promising. Additionally, they have lost three out of the last five games. While their wins came against the aforementioned Hornets.
Unfortunately, it will also be an uphill climb today. RJ Barrett missed practice due to a personal matter. It is unknown if he will be in attendance today. Regardless if he is or not, the Raptors need to play well. This isn’t necessarily about the win, but this is an opportunity to get something good going heading into the All-Star Break.
Game Prediction
Ultimately, I see this game favoring the Indiana Pacers. Although the NBA can see surprises from day to day, not tonight in Canada. I expect the Pacers to control this game. However, if Haliburton is unable to play, that will make things more difficult. But overall, I like the depth and other pieces in Indiana much better than the Raptors side.
The safe play remains taking Indiana against the spread. Additionally, I see both teams going through scoring droughts throughout the game. Even if the unknowns can play, there is simply not enough quality to see putting up a ton of points.
Final Pick
Indiana Pacers -3.5 and Under 245
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
