Arriving off of a strong – but losing – playoff effort last year against the Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start the 2011-2012 year. The team is going through its greatest early record in the previous eight years, but are still struggling against the more proficient squads in the league. Whereas they’re 11-4 thus far, merely four of those victories are against squads with records above .500.
College football betting
With the Orlando Magic coming to visit on Tuesday, January 24, the Pacers will have a greater challenge on their hands, and they’re going to need the home court advantage tonight. Indiana is unbeaten at home this year and will look to expand their record to 6-0. If they’re able to pull out a win, it will be the first time the team has started off a year with 6 straight home victories since the 2002-2003 year.
College football odds
However the Orlando Magic are a fearsome enemy who are 11-5 on the year thus far. And the recent past is all on Orlando’s side. The Orlando Magic have beat the Pacers in Indiana in each of the previous 3 matchups between the 2. Actually, Orlando has won these matches on the road in Indianapolis by typically 13 points. The latest contest between the 2 was January 26, 2011.
The Pacers will additionally need to find a way to deal with Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard. Howard has headed the team to an 11-3 record over Indiana, and he has put up double-doubles in all of these matches. Even with the challenges ahead for the Pacers, the sports book shows them as the -3 favorites to defeat the Orlando Magic. The total is set at 182.5.
Both squads come into this match with a 7-3 record over their last 10 matches. The Pacers have a 5-0 home record thus far, while the Orlando Magic are 5-3 on the road. Watch for Orlando to make a unexpectedly strong showing after their disastrous 87-56 loss to the Boston Celtics a handful of days ago.
Tags: basketball betting, nba, NBA basketball, NBA betting, sports betting
