We have a Game 7 over here folks! The Indiana Pacers put all the pressure on Toronto as they head to Air Canada Center for the seventh and final game of their first round series. It’s going to be one hell of a game with the resilient Pacers and their veteran core putting the heat on the young but inexperienced Raptors, who have a short history of first round failures.
Can the Raptors finally solve their playoff problems? Or will the Pacers advance in an emphatic upset? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know as we head to Game 7 of this thrilling series. The winner of this series takes on whoever advances between Miami and Charlotte, embroiled in their own Game 7. Check out our complete preview for the Hornets vs. Heat.
The Indiana Pacers are looking to become just the sixth No. 7 seed to win an opening-round series since the playoffs expanded in 1984. They’ll get a chance to do that with Paul George leading the way. George is leading the Pacers this postseason averaging 27.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists through the first six games of this series against Toronto.
George has been incredible at Air Canada Centre, where he’s scoring 33.3 points per game on 55 percent shooting. He most recently scored 39 in a 102-99 loss in Game 5. He’s been an incredible offensive tool on the road in this series. George has shot 11 of 19 from three-point range and 27 of 29 from the charity stripe to showcase a blend of range and aggressiveness in the paint on the road.
While George should remain the Pacers’ main threat, Myles Turner could sneak by and continue his quiet but solid contribution. The 20-year-old rookie has averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks over the past two games. He’s kept Toronto’s Jonas Valanciunas from dominating the paint since being inserted into the starting lineup in Game 4.
The Pacers have won three of their seven Game 7s, most recently winning one in the first round against Atlanta in 2014. Considering they win, they may have the momentum to shake things up in the East. They’re +3,000 to win their conference.
Betting on the Toronto Raptors
While the Pacers have had plenty of experience in Game 7s, the Raptors do not. They’re 0-2 in Game 7s and are on the verge of another disappointing first round exit. The Raptors lost a Game 7 in 2014 after blowing a 3-2 series lead to Brooklyn. They were then swept by Washington last year.
DeMar DeRozan hasn’t been his amazing self this postseason. He’s averaging just 15.8 points, eight below his regular season average, on 32.1 percent shooting. Fellow All-Star Kyle Lowry has also struggled, shooting 27 percent from the field in three home games this series. If the frontcourt duo can’t heat up, then the Raptors’ season is in serious jeopardy. Only backup Cory Joseph is averaging over 10 points per game among Toronto’s guards.
While DeRozan and Lowry struggle to score for the Raptors, Jonas Valanciunas has failed to help his team from losing the battle of the boards. He had 48 rebounds in the first three games, but has 20 in the last three. Bismack Biyombo has offered some help with a total of 26 rebounds in the last two games, though.
Home court could be an advantage for Toronto. They’ve won six of their last seven at home, going 5-2 against the spread. The Raptors are +575 to win the East.
