I don't view this game as a hang over for the Pacers. I thought they hung with the Clippers for most of the night last night which was suprrising without Roy Hibbert who anchors that elite defense. Actually the Pacers are #1 in shooting defense in the league and that will be a major issue for the Raptors. Though the Raptors have improved and are in the playoff hunt they won't win this game in my opinion.
The Raptors vs. teams ranked in the top 12 in shooting defense are 2-9 at home. Pacers are also 8-3 ATS in their last 11 on 0 days rest. This would have been a premium play if the Pacers did not have the Bulls and Celtics next, but I still think it's a strong play for them to rebound off a tough loss without one of their better players last night.
Celtics -4 -105 4* NBA POD (based on 1-5* rating)
I like the Celtics in this match up as this is the Warriors 3rd game in 4 nights after Curry played all 48 minutes vs. the Knicks. The Warriors also have to play again tomorrow making it 4 games in 5 nights meanwhile the Celtics are well rested.
Boston is on 3+ days rest where their offense has flourished this year. They need wins right now to climb the playoff ranking ladder or to get in so you know they are going to come with their best defensive effort. Meanwhile they don't play for another couple days. Speaking of defense the Celtics are ranked 9th in shooting defense. The Warriors are just 3-8 on the road this year vs. teams ranked in the top 10 in shooting defense. Those 3 wins came really early in the season 2 in November and 1 on December 8th vs. the Wizards.
All 8 losses have been by more than 4. 11, 25, 6, 21, 7, 16, 26 and 9 points. I expect the Celtics to come out and dominate here tonight. They are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. The Warriors defense continues to slip especially on the road and especially in the paint where they have allowed over 50.5% over their last 3 games. The Celtics take nearly 80% of their shots inside the arch and should dominate here tonight.
