Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic: Magic to make use of the Pacers’ defense struggle

Orlando has gained some good momentum and won several games. However, the Magic will visit Indianapolis the day after a tough matchup in Chicago. Will Jamahl Mosley's team be able to cope with fatigue and win? Let's pick a few options to bet on at once.

Indiana is going through lineup problems

And it's the reason why Indiana is conceding a lot. In the absence of the injured Myles Turner, the Pacers are in trouble in their own half of the court. The highlight was the home game in late January against Charlotte, in which the Pacers conceded 158 points.

Rick Carlisle's team managed to win the previous game after all. On their home court, Indiana handled the Los Angeles Clippers, who have been unstable this season. 122-116, as the Pacers once again allowed quite a few points at the basket, but 20-year old center Isaiah Johnson's 26 points helped them eventually outscore their opponent. That success was only Indiana's 19th in 52 games since the championship began.

Orlando is improving

The rebuilding team has made a lot of progress since the start of the championship. While at the start of the season Orlando was winning on a very rare occasion, they have been winning more and more lately. The Magic approach the match against Indiana after winning 3 out of the previous 5 meetings. Over that span, Jamahl Mosley's team defeated not only outsiders from Detroit, but also Chicago and Dallas from the playoff zone.

In the last game, Orlando tried to prevent Chicago from taking revenge for their recent loss in Florida. It was close, but still the Bulls overpowered the Magic, 126-115.

Injuries

• Indiana: Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. McConnell, Myles Turner, T.J. Warren will not play. Goga Bitadze, Oshae Brissett, Domantas Sabonis are questionable;
• Orlando: Jonathan Isaac, Michael Carter-Williams, E'Twaun Moore, Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton will not play.

Head-to-head encounters

Indiana has six straight wins against Orlando. 

Expert Betting Tips

Indiana has huge problems on defense. It is unlikely that Rick Carlisle will be able to solve them before the matchup with Orlando. The Magic, though young and inexperienced, will have a chance at an away win. The team from Florida has had a lot of success lately and will surely be eager to build on the gains from the matchup in Indianapolis.

Prediction: Orlando will be close to winning a high-scoring match.

Betting options

• Total Over (219.5) for 1.90;
• H2 (+4.5) for 2.022;
• W2+TO (219.5) for 4.60.