Indiana Pacers (34-26) vs. San Antonio Spurs (11-48)
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs 3/3/24 – On Sunday, as the NBA season advances, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs will square off in an important clash, which should demonstrate dramatic disparity in team performances. Pacers face struggling Spurs; thus making this matchup important for handicappers’ picks and tips given their different paths this season.
Indiana Pacers have been on an impressive winning streak recently, taking four of five games with ease and scoring an average of 123.9 points per game while shooting 50.8% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, their defense has also been impressive, averaging 7.8 steals and 5.8 blocks each contest.
San Antonio Spurs have been struggling recently, dropping five straight games. Their offense has been poor, averaging only 111.9 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range. While they have done better defensively with 7.4 steals and 6.2 blocks per game averaged per game – neither feature has been enough to offset their offensive woes.
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs 3/3/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Frost Bank Center |
| TV: | CW35 |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Tyrese Haliburton (PG) vs. Victor Wembanyama (C)
Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is having a career year, averaging 21.4 points, 11.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Iowa State product excels in the pick-and-roll, hitting 46% of his shots, including 37% from deep. Haliburton is an elite table setter and has posted an impressive 5:1 assist to turnover ratio. However, at just 6′ 5”, he can struggle defending quicker guards.
Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama has taken the league by storm, with averages of 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and a whopping 3.3 blocks. The 7’3″ Frenchman is a dynamic shot blocker thanks to his wingspan and shot creation skills. Though at just 210 pounds, stronger players can overpower him down low. Wembanyama also deals with foul issues at times.
When these two young stars match up, Haliburton will need to exploit Wembanyama’s lack of strength while avoiding the shot blocking tower. For San Antonio, the key is getting the ball to their unicorn big man early while forcing Haliburton into tough looks. Wembanyama’s production could very well determine if the Spurs can keep this game close.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the matchup. Bettors and fans alike will be keenly watching for updates as they consider their handicapping strategies.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
The Pacers are 15-13 against the spread on the road this year and have covered in 3 of their previous 5 overall. Indiana has seen the over hit in 2 of their last 5 contests. For the season, 20 of the Pacers’ 32 home games have exceeded the projected total.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends
At home, the Spurs have covered the spread in 16 of their 26 games as hosts. Though, San Antonio has failed to cover in 3 of their past 5 matchups. Only 1 of the Spurs previous 5 games sneaked over the betting total. On the year, 15 of the 26 Spurs home tilts have topped their over/under number.
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs 3/3/24 Betting Picks
Based on analysis and betting trends, it appears that Indiana Pacers would be an obvious pick in this matchup. Their superior record, recent form and offensive firepower give them an advantage against an underperforming Spurs squad; yet home court advantage and Wembanyama could prove crucial in making this game closer than expected.
Prop bets to consider for this matchup include taking over on Haliburton’s assists and under on Wembanyama’s points; Haliburton should have an impactful night creating for his teammates while Wembanyama may struggle against Pacers defense. Totals may also favor the Pacers’ tendency for high-scoring games; this NBA free expert prediction indicates they will win, yet the outcome could be closer than expected.
Free Pick and Prediction: Indiana Pacers 118, San Antonio Spurs 110.