Perhaps in response to Charles Barkley calling them “wussies” on national television, the Indiana Pacers finally came back to life with a dominating 101-85 home win in Game 2. As the series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3, can the no. 1 Pacers prove that they’re back for good?
Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers Round 1, Game 3 Betting Preview
Looking much like the listless team that got soundly beaten in Game 1, the Indiana Pacers once again started slowly in the first half of Game 2. But the Pacers rallied in the second half to run out comfortable 101-85 winners.
Indiana’s immense defense came back to life, holding the Hawks to just 33 second half points and 39% shooting overall. Paul George took on the defensive challenge of guarding Jeff Teague, and he succeeded in finally slowing the Hawks point guard down. With Teague neutralized, the Pacers should have a much easier time corralling Atlanta’s offense.
The dormant Pacer offense also awakened, led by Paul George’s 27 points on 9-16 shooting and Luis Scola, who scored 20 points off the bench. Indiana has been getting little from David West and Roy Hibbert (15 PPG combined in the series), so Scola’s production could be crucial if they fail to get going.
The Pacers are just 3-7 SU/ATS in their last 10 road games, but they have taken two out of the last three meetings against the Hawks in Atlanta.
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks looked good for one half, but a complete second half collapse in Game 2 cost them the chance to return home with a 2-0 lead.
Atlanta’s impressive offense that scored 101 points in Game 1 ground to a halt without Jeff Teague’s production (14 points, 4 assists). Teague’s lack of penetration, shown by his drop in free throws (just two attempts after 10 in Game 1), also may have affected Kyle Korver (3 points, 1-4 3PFG), who feeds off Teague’s drive-and-kicks.
Suffice it to say, Teague holds the key to the Hawks’ success. But with Paul George on him, coach Mike Budenholzer may need to tweak his offense to combat the Pacers’ defensive adjustment. If he doesn’t, the Hawks could be in trouble.
The Philips Arena has been an absolute bogey building for the Pacers. The Hawks are 14-2 SU in their last 16 home games vs. Indiana.
Writer’s Prediction
The adjustment of George guarding Teague will be the turning point for the Pacers, who will win and cover in Game 3.
