NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Indiana Pacers travel to the Capital One Arena on Thursday for a 7:00 PM tipoff against the Washington Wizards in a battle between two teams looking to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement. Indiana enters this matchup with a 15-40 record but carries some momentum after a gritty 115-110 comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Pacers showed plenty of heart in that contest, erasing an 18-point deficit to secure the victory.
Washington is currently struggling to stay afloat with a 14-39 record and enters Thursday on a three-game losing streak. Their most recent outing was a forgettable 138-113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers where the defensive rotations were virtually non-existent. Injuries have played a massive role in Washington’s slide, leaving them shorthanded in the frontcourt. The Pacers open as 3.5-point road favorites in a game featuring a high total of 233.
Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Odds
Current betting lines show the Pacers as slight road favorites, but I expect some fluctuation as bettors react to the injury reports. You should always check the latest NBA odds to ensure you’re getting the best value before the market moves.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Indiana Pacers | -157 | -3.5 (-110) | O 233 (-110) |
| Washington Wizards | +131 | +3.5 (-112) | U 233 (-110) |
Your Shortcut to the Sharp Side
Watch every verified capper’s move unfold across all major sports.
Indiana Pacers Betting Form
The Pacers are a difficult team to handicap because their record doesn’t always reflect their competitive nature. They rank 11th in the league in possessions per game, preferring a high-tempo style that keeps pressure on opposing defenses. In their recent win over Brooklyn, Micah Potter and Jarace Walker dominated the interior, with Potter racking up 19 points and 12 rebounds. You can see more on their rotation and performance trends on the Indiana Pacers stats and results page.
Defensively, Indiana has one elite trait: they are the best in the NBA at defending the three-point line. They allow a league-low 11.5 triples per game, which forces opponents to beat them in the midrange or at the rim. While they allow a high overall scoring average of 118.6 points, that perimeter discipline is a major asset against a Washington team that likes to launch from deep. It is vital to check the Indiana Pacers injury report to see if their backcourt depth remains intact for this road trip.
Washington Wizards Betting Form
The Wizards are currently reeling from significant injuries to their primary big men. With both Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr sidelined, the Wizards lack a true rim protector and a consistent scoring threat in the post. This has forced them into an even faster style of play, as they rank 8th in the league with over 100 possessions per game. For a closer look at how their recent lineups have fared without their stars, check the Washington Wizards schedule and stats page.
Washington’s defense has been the primary culprit during their losing streak, as they allow 123.1 points per game, which ranks 29th in the NBA. While Kyshawn George and Jamir Watkins have shown they can score in bunches, the lack of defensive resistance makes every game a shootout. I would strongly advise monitoring the Washington Wizards injury report for any surprise returns that could bolster their interior presence.
Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is essentially a track meet waiting to happen. Both teams rank in the top 11 for pace, and neither team has shown a consistent ability to stop transition scoring. However, the Pacers have a significant edge in half-court execution with Pascal Siakam, who can exploit the Wizards’ lack of size and shot-blocking. If Indiana can force Washington into a half-court game, the Wizards may struggle to find efficient looks.
Washington does have the benefit of home-court advantage and a previous 108-89 win over Indiana earlier this season. In that game, their pace overwhelmed the Pacers’ transition defense. However, that was a much healthier Wizards roster. Without their primary anchors in the paint, Washington will likely rely on high-volume shooting to stay competitive. If Indiana continues to defend the arc at a league-leading level, the Wizards’ path to victory becomes very narrow.
- Indiana leads the NBA in three-point defense (11.5 makes allowed).
- Washington ranks 29th in scoring defense (123.1 PPG allowed).
- The Wizards rank 8th in pace, averaging 100.7 possessions.
- Indiana ranks 11th in pace and 11th in scoring opportunities.
For bettors looking to understand how pace-up games like this usually play out, reviewing an NBA betting guide can help you identify value in the live betting markets as the game flow develops.
Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Predictions and Best Bets
I am laying the 3.5 points with the Pacers. While Indiana has its own defensive flaws, they are significantly more disciplined on the perimeter than Washington. The Wizards’ injury situation in the frontcourt is simply too much to overcome against a Pacers team that has found a rhythm with its young forwards. I expect Pascal Siakam to have a massive night against a depleted Washington interior, leading Indiana to a cover and a road victory.
As for the total, 233 is a high number, but perhaps not high enough. Both of these teams play at a frantic pace and neither ranks in the top half of the league in defensive efficiency. While the model projects a slightly lower score, the lack of rim protection for Washington and the high possession count for both sides points toward the Over. I think we see a game that finishes in the 120-115 range.
Best Bet: Pacers -3.5 (-110).
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re looking for more insight into these high-total matchups, you should check out today’s NBA picks. Our experts specialize in identifying which pace-heavy games will turn into defensive battles and which will turn into full-blown shootouts.
You can browse our top sports handicappers to see who has the best record with the Wizards or Pacers this season. We provide a handicapper leaderboard so you can follow the hottest experts in the league. For those who want the best value plays delivered directly to them, you can buy expert picks to gain a professional edge on tonight’s slate.
