There really is no such thing as a magic number of wins that a team needs to reach in order to make the playoffs, as that number tends to change in any given NBA season. Looking at the standings this season, though, it would appear that the win total that ensures a playoff berth is hovering around 45, as every team that is currently in is sitting with at least that number. If that is indeed the case, then there are several teams who are very much on the brink of securing their postseason spot.
The Indiana Pacers are right there and are in a position where another win or two will see them in, although we already know that they will be part of the postseason dance, even if the math has yet to confirm it. It also looks as though the LA Clippers are going to be in the Western Conference playoffs, and they may yet rise a few spots higher than their current #8 seeding if their strong recent play continues. The Clippers are a 5-point home favorite for this one, with the point total set at 218.
Pacers vs Clippers NBA Betting Odds, Game Preview & Prediction
More hoops tonight.
🏀 #Pacers at Clippers 📍 Los Angeles, CA 🕥 10:30 p.m. ET 📺 @FSIndiana 📻 @1070thefan / 107.5 FM pic.twitter.com/QFqDYTzSKc — Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) 19 de marzo de 2019
- When: Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 PM EST
- Where: Staples Center, LA
- TV: NBATV
- NBA Odds: Clippers -43.5 (-110)
Why bet on the Indiana Pacers?
While the Pacers are almost certainly assured of as playoff spot, they are also in a position where relaxing through the final few weeks is simply not an option. With the top two spots in the conference all but locked up, Indiana find themselves as one of three teams looking to fill the two remaining spots in the top 4. Getting into one of those spots is important, as it means securing home court advantage in the opening round, at least.
For the Pacers, that is more important than most, as they have not been great away from home, going just 17-18. If they are to hold off the Celtics in the #5 spot, they need to be better than they have been of late, going just 4-6 in their last 10. The Pacers have beaten the Celtics in 5 straight meetings, so don’t count them out here. As a road underdog, Indiana are 8-13 ATS.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 107.90
- Field Goals: 47.46%
- Three Points: 37.27%
- Free Throws: 75.53%
- Rebounds: 42.97
- Average Score Against: 103.90
- Field Goals: 44.89%
- Three Points: 35.59%
- Free Throws: 75.44%
- Rebounds: 43.38
Why bet on the LA Clippers?
You might look at the Clippers sitting in the #8 spot and immediately write them off as a contender in the Western Conference, but that would be a mistake. The reality is that there is not a lot between the #1 and the #8 team in this conference, which should make for a fun playoffs.
As it stands right now, the Clippers are just 1 game back of the Spurs up in the #5 slot, so they can make a big move if they continue to play as they have been of late, going 8-2 in their last 10 games. LA have been tough to beat in their own building, going 22-12, while also going 16-9 ATS as a home favorite. This is a team that appears to be on the move, so pay attention.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 114.66
- Field Goals: 46.83%
- Three Points: 38.68%
- Free Throws: 79.24%
- Rebounds: 45.68
- Average Score Against: 113.72
- Field Goals: 45.42%
- Three Points: 34.13%
- Free Throws: 77.38%
- Rebounds: 45.83
Pacers vs Clippers NBA Betting Trends
- Indiana is 2-4 ATS in the last 6 games
- Indiana is 2-4 SU in the last 6 games
- The total went UNDER in 5 of Indiana’s last 5 games
- LA Clippers is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games
- LA Clippers is 7-1 SU in the last 8 games
- The total went OVER in 8 of LA Clippers’s last 10 games at home
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
The Clippers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, so I don’t expect them to be stuck in the #8 seed for very long. I think they are a good bet here, so I am taking them to win and cover the spread.
Indiana Pacers 105 LA Clippers 113
