The NBA playoffs are getting closer so every game is crucial for the teams still in the hunt. On NBA Thursday, we have 3 key matchups that could shape the playoff standings in both conferences.<\/p>\n
The Lakers are in a bit of a rough patch, dropping their last three games and going just 3-7 in their last 10. Their most recent loss came against the Magic, where they fell 106-118 on the road. LeBron James put up 24 points with 7 assists and 6 rebounds on 50% shooting, but it wasn\u2019t enough to keep them in the game. Sitting fourth in the West at 43-28, they still haven\u2019t secured a playoff spot, making every game crucial down the stretch. Can they get back on track against the Pacers, or will their struggles continue?<\/p>\n
The Pacers are rolling right now, riding a five-game winning streak and looking sharp with a 7-3 record in their last 10. They\u2019re coming off a solid 119-103 win over the Timberwolves, where Tyrese Haliburton dropped 24 points with 11 assists on 56.2% shooting, while Obi Toppin was incredibly efficient, scoring 20 points on 70% from the field. Sitting fourth in the East at 42-29, they haven\u2019t locked in a playoff spot yet, but they\u2019re trending in the right direction. With momentum on their side, can they keep the streak alive against a struggling Lakers squad?<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Indiana are 8-0 in their last 8 games at home. Los Angeles is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pacers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games when playing at home against the Lakers.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n I’ll be taking the Pacers as home underdogs. They’ve won their last 8 at home, covered in 7 of their last 8 at this venue against the Lakers and should be keen to continue their winning ways. The Lakers on the other hand are struggling to get going and have also lost their last 5 on the road.<\/p>\n Pacers WIN = $2.05<\/a><\/p>\n Same Game Multi<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pacers are playing great defence and the Under is 7-3 in their last 10, also 5-2 in the last 7 against LA.<\/p>\n Pacers WIN \/ Under 235.5 pts = $3.60<\/a><\/p>\n The Clippers have been one of the hottest teams in the West lately, going 8-2 in their last 10, but they\u2019re coming off a loss and looking to bounce back. Sitting seventh in the conference at 40-31, they still haven\u2019t locked in a playoff spot, so every game matters. They might not be on a hot streak right now, but with their recent form, they\u2019re still a tough team to beat. Can they get back to winning ways against the Knicks?<\/p>\n The Knicks haven\u2019t been in top form lately, going 4-6 in their last 10, but they\u2019re coming off a strong 128-113 win over the Mavericks. OG Anunoby had a monster night with 35 points on 62.5% shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns put up a triple-double with 26 points, 11 assists, and 12 rebounds. Sitting third in the East at 44-26, they haven\u2019t locked in a playoff spot just yet, but they\u2019re in a solid position. Can they build some momentum against the Clippers, or will their inconsistency catch up to them?<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n New York are 24-11 at home this season. LA are 2-2 in their last 4 at MSG.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against the Knicks.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Under has saluted in 10 of the last 15 games involving Knicks and it’s also 4-2 in this matchup.<\/p>\n Under 217.5 pts = $1.91<\/a><\/p>\nLA Clippers at New York Knicks<\/h3>\n