Toronto-raptors vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Toronto-Raptors vs Indiana Pacers December 3rd 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Pacers (-144) will travel to take on the Raptors (+122) in an Eastern Conference matchup. Indiana is currently favored by 2.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 239.

This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and it will be broadcast on TSN. The Pacers (9-12) are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors (6-15) are 13th.

Pacers vs. Raptors Key Information

The Pacers fell to 9-12 on the season after a 136-121 road loss to the Grizzlies on Sunday. Indiana, who entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 257 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 244.

Indiana started strong, going on a 13-0 run early and leading 45-28 after the 1st quarter. However, they were outscored 34-23 in the 2nd and 40-23 in the 3rd, leaving them trailing 102-91 heading into the 4th. The Pacers couldn’t mount a comeback, as they were outscored 34-30 in the final quarter.

In their loss to the Grizzlies, the Pacers shot 47.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, hitting 14 threes. Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana with 19 points and 9 rebounds, despite shooting just 38.5%.

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Mathurin scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, matching his 1st quarter output. Obi Toppin also had 9 points in the opening period, finishing with 16 on 70% shooting. Andrew Nembhard added 9 of his 14 points in the 2nd quarter.

The Pacers struggled defensively, allowing 136 points to the Grizzlies, including 40 in the 3rd quarter. Indiana gave up 34 points in both the 2nd and 4th quarters, with Memphis shooting 52% from the field.

Indiana did well defending the three, holding the Grizzlies to 16 made threes on 34% shooting. The Pacers also recorded 8 steals and 3 blocks in the game.

The Raptors improved to 6-15 after a 119-116 win over the Heat on Sunday. Toronto, who were +5 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The game’s total score of 235 points went over the pre-game line of 221.5 by 13.5 points.

A key moment for the Raptors was a 10-0 run that stretched the score from 22-17 to 32-17. They led 98-87 going into the 4th quarter but had to hold off a late push from the Heat, who outscored them 29-21 in the final period.

RJ Barrett’s 37 points on 75% shooting powered the Raptors to a win over the Heat, as he connected on 3 threes at a 75% rate. Scottie Barnes added 23 points, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl contributed 17 points and 11 boards.

Toronto shot 53.4% from the field, hitting 10 threes at a 34.5% clip. Barrett scored 13 points in the 1st quarter, and Ja’Kobe Walter added 10 of his 12 points in the 2nd.

Defensively, the Raptors had a rough 2nd quarter, giving up 36 points, but they managed to hold the Heat to 116 points overall. Toronto allowed Miami to shoot 44% from the field.

The Raptors struggled to defend the three, with the Heat hitting 15 threes at a 37% clip. Toronto also sent Miami to the line 28 times, where they made 23 free throws. The Raptors finished with 4 steals and 5 blocks.

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +2.5, the Raptors is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 239, and our model projects the Pacers and Raptors to reach a combined total of 238 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

Pacers Battle Raptors with First NBA Cup Win at Stake

Struggling Teams Seek Redemption

The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors will square off Tuesday night in Toronto, with both teams vying for their first NBA Cup victory. Each sits at 0-3 in group play, making this matchup a final chance to salvage pride in the in-season tournament.

The Raptors enter fresh off a 119-116 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday, the first game of a seven-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Pacers aim to snap a two-game skid following a 136-121 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, which marked the start of a four-game road trip.

Home Court Advantage for Toronto

The Raptors already defeated the Pacers 130-119 at home on Nov. 18, with RJ Barrett pouring in a season-high 39 points in that game. Barrett has been unstoppable in Toronto, averaging 30.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per home contest while shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from deep.

“At home we have such amazing fans, they really pick us up,” Barrett said. “Even when we’re down, they’re still there to pick us up.”

Scottie Barnes, who nearly posted a second consecutive triple-double in Sunday’s win over Miami, continues to be a force for the Raptors. Barnes contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, helping Toronto fend off a late Heat rally.

Pacers’ Road Woes

The Pacers have struggled mightily on the road this season, falling to 2-9 away from Indiana after Sunday’s defeat in Memphis. Despite a strong 45-28 start in the first quarter, Indiana faltered over the next two frames, giving up 74 points and never recovering.

“The first quarter, we did a lot of good things defensively that set up a lot of good offensive opportunities,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “Since the second quarter, we had a lull and we didn’t play well.”

Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana in scoring with 19 points and nine rebounds on Sunday, while Pascal Siakam added 17 points and six assists. Guard Andrew Nembhard returned from a 12-game absence due to a knee injury and logged 14 points and four assists in limited minutes.

“He’s a big reason we got off to the start that we did,” Carlisle said of Nembhard. “We knew it was going to be an abbreviated run, and he did well with it.”

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Injury Updates

The Pacers will continue to miss Ben Sheppard (oblique) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle). Sheppard is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, while Nesmith has not played since Nov. 1.

For the Raptors, Gradey Dick (calf) is questionable for Tuesday, while Immanuel Quickley (elbow) is out until mid-December. Kelly Olynyk (back) and Bruce Brown (knee) are nearing their season debuts, giving Toronto hope for added depth.

A Meaningful Matchup

Though this game will not impact the NBA Cup standings significantly, it offers both teams a chance to regain confidence. Toronto will rely on its strong home form, while Indiana must overcome its road struggles and find consistency. With both sides eager for a win, expect a competitive battle at Scotiabank Arena.