We’ve got an East verses West Saturday matinee NBA game. The Indiana Pacers head into Crpyto.com arena to play the ‘Lake Show.’ Who doesn’t like afternoon hoops?
Game Information
- Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, California
- Indiana Pacers (29-21) visit the (30-19) Los Angeles Lakers
- Previous Matchup: Indiana Win 109-90 March 29th, 2024
Spicy P is a 3× NBA All-Star! (2020, 2023, 2025)
Indian Pacers @ Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers made a little trade. Some say it was shocking. Then they made another trade. I heard that one was awe inspiring as well. Then the King scored 42 at 40-years-old. The Lake Show has certainly entertained on and off the court as of late. Many NBA fans have already wagered this team to win it all before Luka Dončić has even played a minute. He will be making his debut Monday against the Utah Jazz.
LeBron James 42 points on 14/25 😂 pic.twitter.com/XrdqpWYqUM
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) February 7, 2025
It looked like the Pacers were going to take a step back. Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles are well documented as two Canadian kids look to overtake him in the pecking order. They lost two players to season ending injuries, they’re dealing with Myles Turner being out recently, and their defence is porous. However, Pascal Siakam has kept them competing and played his way into an All-Star selection again. The Cameroonian has definitely played up to his lofty contract.
Pascal Siakam’s double-double with 33 points & 11 rebounds fueled last night’s comeback against the Clippers ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/Sui7NHMm2V
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 7, 2025
Both of these teams are looking to get themselves top four seeds for that sweet home court advantage in the NBA playoffs. They are both poised to do so. Lakers are 8-2, including 4 straight, and the Pacers are 7-3 in their last ten.
NBA Game Analysis
The Pacers have been good but overall they have a bottom ten defence that allows teams to 47.2% FG (T-22nd). Furthermore, they are 30th in second chance points and 29th in offensive rebounds. Their path to victory means efficiency. Lucky for them, they are top five in FG% and top 10 in 3-points FG%. This Lakers defence is in flux with injuries and transactions. If the Pacers come correct they could steal this one at Crypto. Additionally, the Pacers are fourth at defending the fast break which could help nullify the home crowd.
Indiana just beat the Clippers so this cross country bully might be looking to beat up on both little and big brother.
LeBron is on the injury report (Ankle – Doubtful) with his most trusted teammate in Austin Reaves (Elbow – Questionable) joining him there. Also, Luka is not playing yet. Offensive and defensive statistical analysis wouldn’t tell you this team is 30-19. If LeBron plays then he should assist well. He averages 8.2 assists per game in matchups with Pascal Siakam. It should be noted that The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-0 in their last 7 against bottom 10 scoring defences. They are also 8-0 in their last 8 against the spread when facing said defences. They simply find ways to compete against bad defences. Tough to bet against those statistics.
However, if LeBron doesn’t play then the Pacers should roll into this one and steal another one in Los Angeles.
NBA Best Bet: Pacers -3.5 (-110)
LeBron James is listed as doubtful as I got this in last night. Even if he does play I strangely like this play. Pascal Siakam has a double double in his last two against Los Angeles. He also has an extensive history with the King dating back to their days in Toronto and Cleveland. Rick Carlisle and his star should have this team ready to play no matter what. Also, matinee games can be tricky. There is a statistical correlation between afternoons games and teams being less efficient. Players aren’t in their normal routines. This can be especially true for the home team.
Thanks for reading!
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