NBA Spreads: Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Toronto Raptors Monday night, as interim head coach Frank Vogel is set to make his debut for the Pacers. Indiana fired head coach Jim O’Brien on Sunday, as they just weren’t in the direction the team had hoped. This is the second meeting between these two teams this season. Indiana beat Toronto 124-100 at home back on Dec. 6.
The Raptors will look to avoid losing their 12th straight, as they fell 103-87 at Minnesota on Saturday, and haven’t won since beating Sacramento back on Jan. 9.
The Pacers looked impressive in a 124-92 win over the Nets on Friday, but were no match for the Bulls the following night, losing 110-89 in Chicago. Indiana is just 1-7 in their last eight games.
Taking a look at the NBA spreads for tonight’s game, oddsmakers have the Pacers favored by 9-points over the Raptors with the total set at 208.
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The Raptors are really struggling to get things going offensively during their losing streak. The Raptors have reached the 100 point mark just three times in their last 12 games, and are coming off a miserable shooting performance against the Timberwolves. Toronto shot just 33.7% from the field, which is one thing if your going up against the Boston Celtics, but Minnesota is allowing nearly 109 points a game this season.
Andrea Bargnani had 15 points in the loss, but was just 5 for 24 from the field, and has struggled to find his shot lately. Rookie Ed Davis came off the bench to score 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Jose Calderon had a solid game with 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Calderon has played well, but may have to start looking for his own shot if the team keeps struggle the way it has.
It will be interesting to see if Vogel can add some life to the Pacers, as they still have a shot at making the playoffs. Indiana is just two games behind Charlotte for the eighth and final spot.
Vogel is expected to increase the workload of Paul George and Lance Stephenson, and the Pacers are going to need these guys to continue to play well. George is averaging just over 11 points in his last five games, and could see another jump in his scoring if he continues to see more minutes.
The Pacers have had to play their last two games without Tyler Hansbrough, who had pneumonia, and is considered questionable for tonight’s game. Even if Hansbrough plays, I wouldn’t expect a ton out of him right away.
I think you almost have to roll with Indiana in this game. Toronto isn’t playing with any fire right now, and the Pacers should play hard for Vogel, and are 11-11 at home this season. The Raptors have lost their last four road games all by nine points or more, so I think you have to roll the dice on the Pacers -9.
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