Tip off: 2 PM EST
Spread: IND -5
Indiana Leads Series 2-1
Betting Line taken from Bovada
Game three went more like most expected this series would. The Pacers came out strong and never looked back, leading the Magic by 9 after the first, 6 at the half, and going on to outscore the Magic 32-17 in the third quarter, en route to a 23 point win.
Roy Hibbert was a factor for the first time in this series, finally exploiting his massive size advantage over Glen Davis. Hibbert hit 8 of his 10 field goals en route to 18 points, while Danny Granger had an outstanding game as well, contributing 26 points and hitting 5 threes. Aside from Hibbert (28 minutes), the Pacers starting lineup all saw 30+ minutes despite the game not being that close.
The Magic’s Glen Davis continued his strong play, leading the Magic with 22 points on 10 of 18 shooting. Problematic, however, was the fact Davis grabbed only 4 rebounds and the Magic were out rebounded 46-33, a large part of the reason why they were unable to stay in the game. The Pacers had 13 offensive rebounds. Also worth noting is the fact the Magic committed 17 turnovers, while the Pacers coughed the ball up just 12 times.
The Magic still need more from this year’s Most Improved player, Ryan Anderson. Anderson shot only 6 times in Game three, and it seems the Pacers have keyed on in Anderson, aware that the Magic stand little chance without his hot shooting. Jameer Nelson was the only other starter other than Davis to attempt 10 field goals. They must get Anderson and Turkoglu more involved. Jason Richardson has also been inconsistent, and we may see more of J.J. Redick if it continues. Nelson and Redick must both get actively involved to spread the floor. If the Magic aren’t hitting their threes, they could fall behind 3 games to 1 after tonight.
Pacers Betting Trends
Indiana is 34-35 ATS this season and 18-16 ATS on the road. They are 10-10 ATS vs Southeast division opponents, and 4-3 ATS after three consecutive ‘unders.’ They are 6-3 ATS when the total is between 180 and 184.5. They are 20-25 ATS as a favorite and 8-5 ATS vs teams with winning records in the second half of the season.
Magic Betting Trends
The Magic are 35-34 ATS this season and 12-11 ATS as an underdog. They are 17-17 ATS at home and 5-1 ATS on Saturday games. They are 4-4 ATS on two days rest and 11-17 ATS revenging a loss against an opponent. They are 15-18 ATS vs teams with winning records and 5-9 ATS vs teams with winning records in the second half of the season.
