The Indiana Pacers host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday in a key matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM ET. Indiana is 38-29 and battling for home-court advantage in the playoffs, while Dallas is 33-36 and holding onto the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
The Pacers won the last meeting between these teams on November 4, taking a 134-127 victory in Dallas. Indiana has eight of its next 10 games at home, while Dallas is looking to snap a three-game losing streak. The Mavericks are 14-20 on the road this season, while the Pacers are 20-9 at home.
Mavericks Preview – Dallas Looking to End Skid
The Mavericks are struggling, losing three straight games and five of their last six. Depth has been a major issue, especially in the frontcourt. With Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford all sidelined, Dallas has leaned heavily on P.J. Washington, who posted 29 points and 12 rebounds in their most recent loss to Philadelphia.
Max Christie has stepped up as well, scoring 18 points off the bench in the same contest. With Kyrie Irving out for the season, Dante Exum’s recent hand injury is another setback for Dallas. Exum had been filling in for Irving in the backcourt before suffering the injury.
Despite their recent struggles, the Mavericks remain a dangerous offensive team. P.J. Washington leads the way with consistent scoring and strong rebounding. Nathaniel Marshall has also been a solid contributor, averaging 21 points per game over the past week. The Mavericks have been effective from three-point range, hitting 36.7% as a team this season. However, their defensive issues have been a major concern, allowing 115.5 points per game while struggling to stop teams in the second half.
Pacers Preview – Indiana Focused on Home Stretch
The Pacers have a critical stretch ahead with five straight home games. Indiana is coming off a 132-130 overtime win over Minnesota in which Obi Toppin scored a season-high 34 points with 10 rebounds. Toppin has delivered strong performances in recent weeks with multiple key players out.
Indiana has been without Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and Aaron Nesmith due to injuries or personal reasons. Haliburton and Siakam are questionable for this game. In their absence, Bennedict Mathurin has emerged as a scoring leader, putting up 22 points in their last outing.
Indiana’s depth has been a key factor in their ability to stay competitive. T.J. McConnell has provided strong play off the bench, averaging 11 points and 6 assists over the last five games. Andrew Nembhard continues to step up in Haliburton’s absence, providing solid playmaking and perimeter defense. The Pacers have also excelled at forcing turnovers, ranking among the top teams in steals and points off turnovers this season.
Indiana’s home success has been tied to their strong fourth-quarter play. They have won the 4Q moneyline in 23 of their last 32 games, showing the ability to close games effectively.
Betting Prediction
Indiana’s depth and home-court advantage give them an edge in this game. The Mavericks have struggled on defense and face significant injury concerns that leave them shorthanded. The Pacers’ recent form and ability to close games should give them the upper hand.
Expect Indiana to control the pace and pull away in the second half to cover the spread. Dallas’ poor road record and injury issues are key concerns as they try to hold on to their playoff spot.
Pick: Indiana -4.5
