Here are The Game Day’s Wizards vs Pacers prediction and bets for the 2021 NBA Playoffs, including our Washington-Indiana Play-In Game preview.
- Check out our 2021 NBA Championship Winner Odds & Bet Picks.
Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers Prediction: 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament Bet Tips & Pick
Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics Play-In Game Recap
The Wizards started slowly on offense, scoring just 21 points in the first quarter before picking it up in the second quarter. Washington held a two-point lead at halftime, only to watch Boston run away with the game in the second half and win 118-100.
The main reason the Wizards lost was that they were unable to neutralize the Celtics’ top two scorers, Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker. Tatum exploded for 50 points, while Walker chipped in 29. The duo also combined for 11 of Boston’s 15 three-pointers, carrying the Celtics to victory.
By comparison, Washington’s leading pair of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal didn’t play nearly as well. They combined to go 16-for-43 (37 percent) from the field, including just 1-of-10 from three. Ish Smith and Daniel Gafford both had nice games off the bench, but Tatum’s awesome performance was just too much to overcome.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Play-In Game Recap
This one was a blowout from the start. Indiana erupted for 40 points in the first quarter and never looked back, storming to a 144-117 victory. The 144 points were the second-highest total of the year for the Pacers, who finished strong with 75 second-half points.
Offensively, Indiana couldn’t miss, shooting 55 percent from the floor and 16-for-35 (46 percent) from downtown. Eight different Pacers scored at least 12 points, while Domantas Sabonis posted a near triple-double with 14 points, 21 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Indiana played well defensively in the first half, limiting Charlotte to just 45 points. The defense slipped in the second half, enabling the Hornets to score 72 points, but by then the game was well in hand. Overall, the Pacers dominated from beginning to end.
Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers Matchup
This should be a fun clash. Both teams rank among the top six in both points per game and pace. All three of their meetings this year have been incredibly close and high-scoring, with Washington taking all three.
Indiana’s offense has been on fire lately, averaging 125.6 points over its last 11 games. That could spell trouble for the Wizards, who have allowed the most points per game in the NBA this year.
The Pacers’ defense is vulnerable, too, allowing the sixth-most points per game this year. Washington should have no problem putting plenty of points on the board, especially if Beal and Westbrook bounce back from their disappointing showings in Boston.
Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
- Indiana Pacers 126, Washington Wizards 122
Indiana’s due for a win against Washington, and I like their chances coming off their rout of the Hornets. The Pacers had the best road record in the Eastern Conference this year at 21-15, while the Wizards have been fairly beatable at home (19-17). Indiana’s offense has found another gear recently, and I see them having another big game at the expense of Washington’s suspect defense.
Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers Bet Pick
Pacers To Win 2021 NBA Play-In Game (+135)
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There will be a lot of buckets in this one, but I’m banking on Indiana scoring a few more. The Pacers have far more depth on offense, whereas the Wizards are too reliant on Beal and Westbrook. Indiana was also able to rest its starters during the fourth quarter against Charlotte, which might make the difference in a game that will likely go down to the wire.
