NBA Picks: Indiana Pacers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Indiana Pacers at Portland Trail Blazers
Wednesday, 1/23/13, 10:00 PM EST, TV: CSNW
Opening Point Spread: Portland PK
Current Betting Line: Portland -1
Opening Total: 183.5
Current Total: 183.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Indiana has won three of its last four games, including an 82-81 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies last time out, while going UNDER the total for the third time in that span. The Pacers have won their last six games against Western Conference opponents, which is important to consider when making your pro basketball picks Wednesday night. The team is 10-13 overall on the road this season, including a 4-4 mark versus non-conference foes. Indiana is 0-4 ATS as a road underdog of three points or less this season.

The Pacers will complete their two-game season series against the Trail Blazers, as they picked up a 99-92 win as three-point home underdogs in the first meeting, while going OVER the total of 186.5. Indiana is certainly one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference, with a 16-5 record in its last 21 games. “We knew we had to turn things around,” commented Pacers guard George Hill.

Portland has lost six games in a row, including the first three of its current five-game road trip. The Trail Blazers suffered a disappointing 98-95 setback to the Washington Wizards last time out, while going UNDER the posted total of 195.5. “You don’t like to see stretches like this,” commented Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. “The one thing that hasn’t wavered is that I like the way our team competes.” Rookie point guard Damian Lillard will need to help lead a turnaround, as he scored a game-high 23 points in his only career meeting versus the Pacers. Portland is 10-5 ATS as a home favorite of three points or less since 2010.

The Trail Blazers have won the last three meetings against the Pacers at the Rose Garden, while only two of the last seven games played in this series have been decided by less than 10 points. Portland has played 10 consecutive games decided by six points or less, which is a new team record. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge’s nine double-doubles in January are tied for the most in the NBA.