The Indiana Pacers play the last regular season home game on their schedule against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are looking to inch closer to locking up the no. 2 seed in the western conference.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]
Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks (Saturday, April 12, 8:30 PM ET)
[sc:NBA240banner ]Every game is a must-win for the Phoenix Suns as they remain in the race for a playoff berth. They will have the same approach when they face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Phoenix met the Mavericks twice this season, winning the first one in December 123-108 and losing the second, 110-107. Both games have gone over the line.
In the first meeting, Eric Bledsoe anchored the impeccable offensive attack of the Suns as he finished with 25 points, going 9-12 from the field. The Suns shot 50% from the three-point area and 51.2% from the field overall. Bledsoe was absent when the Mavericks beat Phoenix in the next meeting. However, Goran Dragic performed well, scoring 28 points and dishing out seven assists. Dragic is averaging 20.5 PPG and 6.0 APG versus Dallas this season.
Dating back to last season, the Suns have covered the spread in two of their last three games against Dallas.
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
Already teetering on the edge of being eliminated from playoff contention, the Dallas Mavericks did not help their cause when they lost to the Tony Parker-less San Antonio Spurs at home, 100-109. Dallas is now 4-1 SU in their last five games.
With the loss, the Mavericks’ lead over the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference dropped to just 1 game. The Mavericks, however, could afford a tie with Memphis at the conclusion of the regular season, as they are 3-0 SU against the Grizzlies.
The Mavericks won in their most recent game against Phoenix, 110-107. Rookie Shane Larkin, subbing for then injured Jose Calderon and lit up the scoreboard for 18 points. Dirk Nowitzki top scored in that game for the Mavs with 21 points. The former MVP has an average of 21 PPG in two games versus Phoenix this season.
Dallas has been near unbeatable at home when up against the Suns. The Mavericks are 9-1 SU in their last 10 at home against Phoenix. In addition, they covered the spread in eight of those meetings.
Writer’s Prediction
The combo of Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic will continue to befuddle the Mavericks. The two guards will key a Suns victory by at least five points. Who are you going to bet on?
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers (Sunday, April 13, 1:00 PM EST)
Expected to be a tightly contested game between two legitimate title contenders, the Oklahoma City Thunder had other thoughts in mind when they routed the Indiana Pacers, 118-94, in their first meeting back in December.
Kevin Durant played like an MVP in that game, pouring in 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Russell Westbrook added 26 points and had 13 of the Thunder’s 27 assists as Oklahoma City shot a mesmerizing 61% from the field.
The Thunder are looking to extend their road game winning streak at Indiana tonight. They have won their last two road games against Sacramento and the LA Clippers, with both games going over the line. Oklahoma City won two of their last three games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Moreover, the Thunder are are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four games against Indiana.
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have had their fair share of troubles late in the regular season but a win tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home could boost their morale heading into the playoffs. The Pacers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 home games. However, they are 0-4 ATS in their last four at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Despite a completely lopsided loss to the Thunder in the first meeting, Paul George shone bright for Indiana by scoring a team-high 32 points on 9-17 shooting. After a silent first half, where he scored just six points, the all-star forward went on a tear in the second half by adding 26 more.
The Pacers are 7-2 under in their last nine games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Thunder won’t have the same great shooting night they had when they played Indiana last December but they’ll still be too much for the Pacers to handle. Take the under in this game and bet on the Thunder to cover the spread. Who are you going to bet on?
