Lakers vs Pacers Betting Odds – Lakers Will Overtake Pacers

The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to get healthy and that is bad news for an Indiana Pacers team that has just learned their prize rookie, Tyler Hansbough, could miss the rest of the season. Top in the West versus second worst in the East; this should be a barnburner with lots of bench players seeing extended minutes.

The Storyline – Lakers vs Pacers betting odds breakdown
The Lakers (45-15) are coming off a huge win over Denver on Sunday and will look to extend their two-game win streak when taking on a Pacers team that has won just two of their last nine games. Indiana is coming off a win against Chicago however they have been atrocious on the road this year and have not gotten a win against any of the top four teams in the Western Conference this year.

Offensive Matchups – Lakers vs Pacers betting odds breakdown 
Those doing sports betting should know Los Angeles did not lose its step in the five games without Kobe as the team went 4-1 in that stretch. It was inevitable that the Lakers would miss Kobe’s 28 points and 5.3 assists per game and their scoring average dropped to 97.2 over the five games but he is back in the line-up and has racked up 85 points and 28 assists in his four games since returning. In Bryant’s absence, Shannon Brown picked up the slack; averaging 14.6 points, up from his previous season average of 7.6 and the Lakers will look for him to continue to contribute as his minutes will likely increase with Bryant expected to be saved for the playoffs.

Indiana’s offence is based around Danny Granger and the three point shot. Averaging 18 shots a game, he has free reign to trigger his shot when he has a chance and has put up 23 points a game as a result. He is an undersized power forward and will not have a chance inside against Pau Gasol but he will get some wide open looks as the big Spaniard will not be able to cover him on the perimeter. Indiana is fourth in the league with over 22 attempts from downtown and hot or cold will continue to take long range shots whether it is helping or hindering their offence. Since the Lakers allow the lowest three-point percentage, it will most likely be a hindrance.  

Betting Edge: Lakers

Defensive Matchups – Lakers vs Pacers betting odds breakdown 
The Lakers are allowing a miniscule 96 points a game and holding teams to just 43 percent shooting from the floor. They are also disciplined in giving away the second lowest number of free throws, just 22 per game. In the last nine games, six without Kobe, the Lakers have held teams to just 90 points and will most likely carry on with that trend as they iron out the kinks in their team down the stretch.

While they are fourth in the league with 8.1 steals a game and holding teams to a very respectable 45.2 percent from the floor, Indiana is allowing 104 points because it gives up an NBA worst 29.8 free-throws per contest. While LA does not get to the free-throw line very much, Kobe Bryant is among the lead leaders in attempts and should get a lot of chances from the stripe.

Betting Edge: Lakers

Notable Injuries – Lakers vs Pacers betting odds breakdown 
Kobe still has a broken finger and is wearing a sleeve over his strained calf but even at less than 100 percent, he will be the best player on the court. Sasha Vujacic will be out for at least another week with a shoulder sprain. Having missed four games already, the Lakers are looking forward to getting his minutes back so they can rest Kobe down the stretch.

Tyler Hansbrough is out indefinitely with an inner ear infection that might cause him to miss the rest of the season. Since New Years he has player less than 37 total minutes as he is battling dizziness and balance problems due to the infection.

Betting Edge: Pacers

Betting Prediction – Lakers vs Pacers betting odds breakdown 
The experts doing the sportsbook know that the Lakers should cruise to an easy victory over an overmatched Pacers team. Second last in the Eastern Conference, Indiana will have to pull out a miracle performance if they want any chance of winning.

Pick: Lakers