The Toronto Raptors (21-36) travel to the Indiana Pacers (33-25) for a Monday matchup. This game has a couple of coincidences. Firstly, they both are looking to extend their current win streak to three games. Furthermore, they already beat each other early. However, the home side is expected to win their third encounter.
It’s also worth mentioning that they played in Ontario twelve days ago. Therefore, they are familiar with each other’s approach and how the matchups should play out. Additionally, between the two games the combined margin was three points. It will be interesting to see if tonight plays out similarly.
Do you see tonight’s home side grabbing a convincing win against the visitors?
Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Toronto Raptors | +6 -110 |
O 245.5 -110 |
+195 |
| Indiana Pacers | -6 -110 |
U 245.5 -110 |
-238 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Toronto Raptors @ Indiana Pacers
Date And Time: February 26, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
Key Stats
Toronto Raptors (Averages)
Points: 114.2
Points Allowed: 117.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.9/90.0 for 47.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.7/32.8 for 35.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.7/22.2 for 75.2%
Rebounds: 11.3 Offensive, 32.4 Defensive, 43.7 Combined
Assists: 29.2
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 4.9
Turnovers: 12.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.1/90.7 for 48.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.3/35.4 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.8/19.9 for 79.8%
Rebounds Against: 10.7 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 44.1 Combined
Toronto enters after back-to-back wins on back-to-back nights. However, they now face a tougher team in the Indiana Pacers. But there’s still hope to sneak into the play-in tournament. Also, considering teams facing turmoil who are above them, grabbing a tenth seed in the East remains realistic. Although they have a losing record, seeing post-season participation is not out of the question. Firstly, a win tonight against a good Indiana team will go a long way.
Lots of discussion re RJ Barrett’s improvement since the trade to the Raptors
But I’d also like to highlight Immanuel Quickley.
Since the trade, IQ has been the 54th ranked 9-cat player player (8 game sample, RJ 67th), compared to szn rank of 137th)
— NBA Fantasy Bible (@NBAFantasyBible) January 16, 2024
Immanuel Quickley is a good scoring option for this team. Quickley scored 24 points in each of their last two wins. Additionally, Scottie Barnes remains their most consistent scoring option. Barnes averages 20.0 points a night. But he scored 29 points the last time they faced the Indiana Pacers. Therefore, he will need to have something of an encore performance tonight.
Indiana Pacers (Averages)
Points: 123.8
Points Allowed: 122.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 46.9/92.2 for 50.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.6/35.7 for 38.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.4/21.1 for 77.8%
Rebounds: 9.9 Offensive, 30.7Defensive, 40.7 Combined
Assists: 31.0
Steals: 7.8
Blocks: 5.8
Turnovers: 12.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 45.2/89.7 for 50.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 10.8/29.1 for 37.2%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 20.9/26.5 for 79.0%
Rebounds Against: 10.9 Offensive, 32.1 Defensive, 43.0 Combined
Indiana is playing well fresh off hosting the All-Star Weekend events. They are 3-1 in their last four games. Moreover, they continue to improve as the season goes along. While they sit in the sixth spot in the East, they won’t be content. The Indiana Pacers aim to create a cushion and avoid competing in the play-in. But they need to take care of business against teams like Toronto who they are expected to beat.
no better way to get back into the swing of the season than watching Tyrese Haliburton highlights 🎥 pic.twitter.com/v6PEmk3b9U
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 21, 2024
Tyrese Haliburton is a star in this league. Despite being an All-Star he may somehow be underrated. Regardless, he competes in every game and sets the tone for the Indiana Pacers. Haliburton averages 21.9 points per contest and looks to be getting better at leading this team. However, Pascal Siakam offers a lot of help and support to this team. He’s someone who can be a primary option on offense. He also takes on tough defensive assignments. Finally, T.J. McConnell creates opportunities for himself and his teammates through his hustle. He’s scored in double figures in three out of his last five games. Therefore, you need to watch him to continue his good run of play.
Game Prediction
This is a game where the odds are set exactly as they should be. Especially considering their recent history, it should be a closer game. However, the home team is appropriately favored and looks to be in better form at the moment. Moreover, the Indiana Pacers may end up winning more comfortably than expected. Therefore, I like them to cover the spread, although an alternative line is too risky to consider.
Additionally, the game total is set too high. Even though neither defense is playing particularly well, a bad quarter or cold streak will derail this. Taking the Over here is something of a dangerous play. I feel more comfortable with the Under here.
Final Pick
Indiana Pacers -6 and Under 245.5
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! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
