The Toronto Raptors will face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 26. This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season. Both teams have one win each. The Raptors are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 21-36 record. They are coming off a close 123-121 win against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Meanwhile, the Pacers are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 33-25 record.
Preview
The Toronto Raptors have a significant boost in their confidence and are set to begin a brief road trip on Monday. They have won three of their last four matches, which shows their recent progress. That included a dominant 121-93 win at home against the Nets on Thursday and a hard-fought 123-121 win against the Hawks on Friday.
Additionally, the Raptors have successfully covered the spread in three of their last five games. They have allowed at least 119 points in four of their last five games, giving up an average of 117.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers will conclude a four-game homestand on Monday. After Sunday’s contest against the Mavericks, they have won three straight games. Indiana continues to excel at offense, averaging 123.8 points.
Starting lineup
The Raptors are likely to start with Gary Trent, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl. Meanwhile the Pacers are expected to start with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Benedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner.
Betting tips & Prediction
Pascal Siakam is averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. His points prop for the upcoming contest is set over/under 22.5. However, he is not favored to exceed or reach this mark.
Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 21.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 11.7 assists. His point prop is set at over/under 21.5 and is favorable to surpass or reach this mark.
Scottie Barnes is averaging 20.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists. His point prop is set at over/under 20.5 and is favorable to surpass or reach this mark.
The Pacers are heavy favorites to win against the Raptors at home. They are favored with a -6-point spread and -238 on the moneyline. Meanwhile, Toronto is expected to surpass the point mark of 246.5.
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