Media by Associated Press – Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) plays against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 112-111. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Everyone can focus back on the playoff chase now that LeBron James caught Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to set the NBA’s all-time scoring record Tuesday night. That was the highlight of a disappointing Los Angeles loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Wednesday slate isn’t lacking for intriguing matchups. Here’s a look at what to expect.
Indiana Pacers (+6.5) at Miami Heat
The Heat will be glad to be home after a brutal road trip. Miami, however, won’t have an easy return home in South Beach. The Heat will have to take on a Pacers’ squad that has tormented them this season. Indiana has won two of the three meetings between the teams this season.
In the meeting the Heat won, Miami only eked out an ugly five-point decision. The Pacers have been better than expected offensively, ranking 12th in the league in scoring by putting up 114.7 points per game. Indiana, however, has struggled on defense, allowing 116.9 points per game, which ranks 24th in the league. The Pacers are 29-26 against the spread this season.
Miami lost three out of four games during its four-game road swing. The Heat, who are 21-31-2 against the spread, aren’t going to win any beautiful basketball competitions. Miami, which is 29-25 straight up, plays strong defense. The Heat is the second-best defensive team in the league in scoring defense. Miami only allows opponents to score 108.4 points per game.
Miami will win this one, but the Pacers will keep it close.
Dallas Mavericks (+7.5) at Los Angeles Clippers
The Mavericks bringing Kyrie Irving aboard is an interesting move for the franchise’s future. Dallas has been struggling to get through this season and will be bringing another ball-dominant player on board to play with Luca Doncic. The Mavericks’ offense has struggled all season.
Dallas is 23rd in the league in scoring at 112.5 points per game. The Mavericks, however, do play solid defense and only allow their opponents to score 112 points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Clippers, who are 29-28 against the spread, also lean heavily on defense.
Los Angeles has covered the spread in seven of its past ten games. The Clippers have also seen the total go over the number in seven of the past ten games as well. Both teams will shoot better than average in this game, but Dallas will keep it close.
Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers (-3.5)
The Warriors are once again trying to navigate through a difficult period where they will be without Stephen Curry. Curry, who is nursing a leg injury, will be out for several weeks. Golden State now ranks second in the league in scoring at 118.4 points per game. It will be hard for the Warriors to keep that pace without Curry.
Golden State is an iffy defensive team, ranking 26th in points allowed. Portland has struggled this season but has put up a respectable 28-26 record against the spread. The Trail Blazers are 26-28 straight up. Portland will take advantage of Curry’s injury to win at home.
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