Indiana Pacers v Utah Jazz – NBA
Tonight we will see a cross-conference match-up between Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Indiana Pacers do not have great memories when playing against Utah Jazz, as they have been defeated in last 3 occasions, however, tonight just might be the night they can get the revenge. Looking at Indiana form, they are not doing that well, 3 defeats in last 5 games against Bucks (99:85), Knicks (87:81) and Raptors (116:91). On the bright side, they managed to win against Heat (102:98) and Hornets (98:77). As it goes for many teams. Indiana is performing much better when playing at home stadium, compared to road games. Currently on a 4 game winning streak at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, they will be hoping to extend that number to 5 tonight. Last match for Indiana was against Toronto Raptors. The match started poorly for Indiana, as they were trailing by 8 by the end of 1st quarter and it did not get any better in the upcoming quarters. Raptors continued to extend their lead with each passing quarter and in the end won with 25 points to spare. Top scorers: DeRozan (22pts), George (18pts) and Teague (16pts)
Tonight’s visiting team is Utah Jazz, who are holding a 2-3 record in the past 5 games. Loosing against Clippers ( 114:108), Cavaliers (91:83) ad Bulls (95:86). However, they did manage to win over Clippers in a home match (114:108) and Pistons (83:97). Utah Jazz are proving themselves this season as they are holding a strong record (43-27), but loosing 2 games in a row just might affect their morale enough to give Indiana a decent chance to put up a strong fight. As mentioned before, Utah Jazz lost their last match against Chicago Bulls (95:86). The game was close, till the last quarter, when Bulls outperformed Jazz, outscoring them by 12 points, which was enough to take back the lead. Much of their success can be linked to excellent shooting in the last quarter (66.7%FG), while holding Utah at 47.4%FG. Top scorers: Butler(23pts), Portis (22pts), Hills (18pts).
Verdict & Prediction
There is no denying that Utah won last three encounters against Indiana and are currently positioned higher that their opponents. But Indiana has proven time and time again they can play very good at home, so they do have an edge in that aspect. In addition to that, Utah will play without Favors and Mack (who hasn’t played for a while now so this should not have any big effect on the squad). Hood will most likely not play and even if he does, he still has problems with his ankle. With that in mind, Indiana has a great fighting chance and for me they have a great opportunity to win and break the losing streak against Utah.
Prediction: Indiana Pacers +1.5 points
Odds: 1.96 Pinnacle
Another preview for tonight: Boston Celtics v Washington Wizards – NBA
