Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions November 18th 2024

Raptors vs Pacers November 18th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Indiana Pacers (-187) will be in Toronto to take on the Raptors (+156). The Pacers are favored by 4.5, and the over/under line is set at 235.5.

This Eastern Conference matchup will be played at Scotiabank Arena and can be seen on TSN. The Raptors have lost seven straight and currently sit 15th in the East. The Pacers are 6-7 and are 6th in the conference.

Pacers vs. Raptors Key Information

With a 119-110 win over the Heat on Sunday, the Pacers improved to 6-7 for the season. Indiana, playing at home, was favored by 3.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total points of 229 narrowly exceeded the pre-game line of 228.

Indiana jumped out to a 28-20 lead after the 1st quarter, but Miami closed the gap by winning the 2nd quarter 29-24. The Pacers responded by outscoring the Heat 33-26 in the 3rd, taking an 85-75 lead into the 4th. Despite Miami edging Indiana 35-34 in the final quarter, the Pacers held on for the win.

Myles Turner led the Pacers to a win over the Heat, scoring 34 points and hitting 5 threes at a 62.5% rate. He shot 60.9% from the field overall. Pascal Siakam added 23 points, shooting 81.8% from the floor, and Bennedict Mathurin contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds.

As a team, the Pacers shot 51.8% from the field and 44.8% from three, making 13 threes in the game. Turner scored 13 points in the 3rd quarter and added 10 more in the 4th. Tyrese Haliburton also chipped in 8 points in the final period.

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The Pacers’ defense was strong in the 1st quarter, holding the Heat to just 20 points, but they gave up 35 points in the 4th quarter. Overall, they allowed 110 points on 40% shooting from the field.

Indiana struggled to defend the three, as Miami hit 19 threes at a 44% clip. The Heat also went 19/20 from the free-throw line. The Pacers finished with 35 defensive rebounds, allowing 15 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 6 blocks.

The Raptors fell to 2-12 on the season after a 126-123 loss to the Celtics on Saturday. Despite being heavy +16.5 point underdogs, Toronto kept the game close. The total score of 249 points went over the pre-game line of 229.5.

Boston went on a 12-0 run early, but the Raptors battled back, tying the score at 4-4 before the run. Toronto stayed competitive, winning the 3rd quarter 31-30 and the 4th quarter 29-28, but ultimately fell short.

Jakob Poeltl’s 35 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 84.2% from the field, led the Raptors in their 126-123 loss to the Celtics. RJ Barrett contributed a triple-double with 25 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds, despite shooting just 37%.

Toronto hit 9 threes at 39.1% and shot 51% overall. Chris Boucher added 15 points, making 2 threes at 66.7% efficiency.

Defensively, the Raptors allowed 126 points to the Celtics, giving up 28 points in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters, and 30 in the 3rd. Boston shot 44% from the field.

Toronto sent the Celtics to the line 19 times, where they hit 17 free throws. The Raptors also allowed 21 made threes on 34% shooting. Toronto finished with 31 defensive rebounds, while Boston grabbed 14 offensive boards.

We’re putting our money on the Pacers to win, and have the projected score sitting at 106-89. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Pacers at -4.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 235.5, and our model projects the Pacers and Raptors to reach a combined total of 195 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

Raptors Host Pacers, Hope to End Skid Against Familiar Face Siakam

The Toronto Raptors have been caught in a cycle of near-misses, but they’ll aim to reverse their fortunes when they host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. The Raptors are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and are desperate to change the narrative of their season.

Toronto’s latest heartbreaker came on Saturday, when they fell 126-123 in overtime to the Boston Celtics on a last-second 3-pointer by Jayson Tatum. Despite the loss, the Raptors put up a strong fight, especially considering they were playing the defending NBA champions on the second night of a back-to-back.

“I thought we played a heck of a game,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “I’m really, really proud of the fight we had. A little bit of luck at the end and it could have been a different story.”

Barrett and Poeltl Shine Despite Losses

The Raptors have been buoyed by the performances of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl during this tough stretch. Barrett notched his first career triple-double against Boston, finishing with 25 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Poeltl erupted for a career-high 35 points on an efficient 16-for-19 shooting and added 12 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season.

“We know what we can do and we know who we are,” Barrett said. “We’re just trying to figure out how to get over the hump.”

However, injuries have plagued Toronto, with Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture) and Immanuel Quickley (elbow) still sidelined. Adding to their woes, Bruno Fernando suffered a sprained ankle on Saturday and has been ruled out for Monday.

Pacers Welcoming Back Pascal Siakam

The Indiana Pacers come into this matchup fresh off a 119-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday. Leading the way was Pascal Siakam, who was traded from Toronto to Indiana in January. Siakam poured in 23 points on an efficient 9-for-11 shooting in the win, surpassing 10,000 career points in the process.

Indiana has also been dealing with injuries, with Aaron Nesmith (ankle) and Andrew Nembhard (knee) out. Rookie Ben Sheppard left Sunday’s game with an oblique strain, adding to their injury list.

Turner’s Big Night Sparks Pacers’ Bounce-Back

Myles Turner was the star for Indiana on Sunday, dropping a season-high 34 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton continued his stellar playmaking with 16 points and 13 assists, while Bennedict Mathurin added 21 points and 12 rebounds.

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“It was a great response,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after the win. “We’re trying to grow as a young team. I just thought our guys kept their poise very well.”

Turner admitted that the game was crucial for him personally, especially after what he felt was a poor attitude in recent days.

“You’ve got to be an energy-giver,” Turner said. “I feel like I’ve been an energy-sucker, and that’s not who I want to be.”

Key Matchup: Barrett vs. Siakam

One of the more intriguing storylines heading into Monday’s game is Pascal Siakam’s return to Toronto. The Raptors will be motivated to get a win against their former star, while Siakam will look to make a statement against his old team. On the other hand, RJ Barrett has been stepping up in the absence of other key players, and his matchup against Siakam will be one to watch.

What to Watch For:

1. Raptors’ Close-Game Woes: Can Toronto finally find a way to close out games after losing seven straight, many of which were tightly contested?
2. Pacers’ Offensive Firepower: With Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner in form, can Indiana take advantage of Toronto’s injury-depleted lineup?
3. Defensive Adjustments: The Raptors dominated the paint against Boston, outscoring them 76-42. Will they continue that strategy against the Pacers?

Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Pacers have momentum on their side, while the Raptors are desperately seeking a turnaround. Monday’s game will be a crucial test of resolve for a Toronto team trying to break free from a losing narrative.