Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers February 8th 2025

The Indiana Pacers (-163) are favored by 4 points over the Los Angeles Lakers (+138) in this non-conference matchup. The over/under line is set at 231 points.

Indiana is 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 29-21 record, while the Lakers are 5th in the West at 30-19. Tip-off is at 4:00 ET and the game will be televised on ESPN.

Pacers vs. Lakers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Indiana Pacers at Los Angeles Lakers
• Where: Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena
• Date: Saturday, February 8th
• Betting Odds IND -4, IND -163 | LAL +138 O/U 231

The Pacers Can Win If…

The Pacers improved to 29-21 on the season with a 119-112 road win over the Clippers on Thursday. Indiana entered the game as +5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the win. The total points for the game were 231, just under the 231.5 O/U line.

Indiana’s 15-0 run turned the game around, as they went from trailing 44-25 to leading 59-25. After a 42-19 2nd quarter, the Pacers entered the 4th quarter down 88-84 but outscored the Clippers 35-24 in the final period to secure the win.

Pascal Siakam’s 33 points and 11 rebounds led the Pacers to a win over the Clippers, as he shot 68.4% from the field and hit 5 threes at an 83.3% clip. Bennedict Mathurin added 25 points, shooting 61.5% from the field.

As a team, the Pacers shot 45.3% from the field and 33.3% from three, making 13 threes in total. Siakam scored 12 points in the 2nd quarter, while Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton each contributed 9 points in the 4th.

Despite a rough start, the Pacers tightened up defensively after the 1st quarter, where they allowed 42 points. They bounced back in the 2nd, giving up just 19 points, and continued to improve, allowing 27 in the 3rd and 24 in the 4th, holding the Clippers to 112 points overall.

Indiana allowed the Clippers to shoot 46% from the field and 42% from three-point range, with 17 threes made. The Pacers sent the Clippers to the line 18 times, where they hit 13 free throws. Defensively, the Pacers recorded 13 steals and 3 blocks.

• Across the Pacers last ten road games, the team averaged 114 points per game while allowing 109. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 7-3, while going 8-2 straight-up.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Indiana has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 8-2 straight up.
• Over their last five games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lakers Can Win If…

The Lakers improved to 30-19 on the season with a 120-112 win over the Warriors on Thursday. Playing at home, Los Angeles entered the game as -5.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 232, going over the pre-game line of 226.

Los Angeles took control early, going on an 11-0 run to extend their lead from 11-8 to 22-8. They won the first two quarters, leading 69-49 at halftime. The Warriors fought back in the second half, outscoring the Lakers 63-51, but Los Angeles held on for the win.

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 120-112 win over the Warriors, putting up 42 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 assists, hitting 6 threes at 66.7% efficiency. He scored 18 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Austin Reaves added 23 points despite shooting just 23.5% from the field, with 10 of his points coming in the 4th quarter.

Gabe Vincent contributed 15 points, knocking down 5 threes at 62.5%. The Lakers shot 50% from the field and hit 13 threes at a 37.1% clip. Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura each chipped in 11 points, with Hachimura scoring 4 in the final period.

The Lakers’ defense was strong enough to secure a win, despite giving up 112 points to the Warriors. They held Golden State to 21 points in the 1st quarter but allowed 30+ points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters. Overall, the Lakers limited the Warriors to 40% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Warriors hit 16 threes at a 30% clip. The Lakers sent Golden State to the line 20 times, where they made 14 free throws. On the boards, the Lakers gave up 10 offensive rebounds. Defensively, they added 9 steals and 5 blocks.

• When looking at their past three matchups at home, Los Angeles has an ATS record of 3-0 while averaging 128 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Lakers have a strong straight up record of 3-2. In addition, their ATS record was 4-1 in these scenarios.
• In their last three games, the Lakers have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Pacers is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 118-89. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Pacers at -4.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 231 and given that our model is projecting 207 points between the teams, we like the under.

Lakers Continue Hot Streak While Awaiting Doncic’s First Game

In the wake of one of the most stunning trades in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to ride a wave of momentum. With superstar Luka Doncic set to make his purple-and-gold debut on Monday against the Utah Jazz, the Lakers have another test to pass first—hosting the surging Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.

Since acquiring Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie the other way, the Lakers have remained red-hot, winning four straight games and eight of their last nine.

While the excitement surrounding Doncic’s arrival continues to build, the Lakers have stayed locked in. Their latest triumph, a 120-112 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, featured another historic performance from LeBron James. The 40-year-old superstar put up a season-high 42 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists, becoming just the second player in NBA history—alongside Michael Jordan—to record a 40-point game after turning 40.

James downplayed the personal milestone, keeping the focus on the team’s continued success.

“The biggest thing is that we got the win, obviously,” James said. “But throughout my journey, any time I’ve been in a category or crossed paths with the greats, it’s always humbling. I love the game so much, so it’s pretty cool.”

Mark Williams Joins Lakers’ Rotation

While Doncic is the centerpiece of the Lakers’ midseason overhaul, he isn’t the only new face in town. Los Angeles also acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, sending rookie Dalton Knecht the other way.

Williams, who averages 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, brings additional size and athleticism to the Lakers’ frontcourt and is expected to make his debut Saturday. James is already excited about the impact Williams could have.

“(Mark) is a young, athletic big who’s going to give us another lob threat along with Jaxson (Hayes),” James said. “I was surprised that we were able to get him, honestly.”

With Williams in the mix and Doncic set to debut soon, the Lakers appear to be building a team capable of making a deep playoff run.

Pacers Riding Momentum in the East

While the Lakers continue their climb in the West, the Indiana Pacers are quietly making a push in the Eastern Conference. Winners of 13 of their last 16 games, the Pacers have surged into the fourth seed, showcasing depth, resilience, and a high-powered offense.

Indiana’s latest statement win came on Thursday when they erased a 22-point first-half deficit to defeat the Clippers 119-112 in Los Angeles. Pascal Siakam led the charge with 33 points and 11 rebounds, continuing to prove why the Pacers acquired him last month.

Head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the team’s strategy of using its depth and relentless pace to wear down opponents.

“We’re a team that’s going to use our depth and wear down the other team,” Carlisle said. “That’s a big part of who we have to be. As long as we’re aggressive and helping each other out defensively, we give ourselves a chance to win.”

Pacers Face Injury Concerns with Myles Turner

Indiana’s win over the Clippers came at a cost, as center Myles Turner was forced to leave in the first quarter after taking an accidental hit to the head from teammate Bennedict Mathurin. Turner is currently listed as a game-time decision as he goes through concussion protocol.

If Turner is unable to play, the Pacers will lean even more on Siakam, who leads the team with 20.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s star point guard, continues to facilitate the offense at a high level, averaging 17.8 points and 8.5 assists per game.

Get a Comprehensive Breakdown of the Current Favorites to Lead the NBA in Scoring

Lakers vs. Pacers: A Crucial Matchup Before the Break

With the Lakers surging and the Pacers gaining ground in the East, Saturday’s matchup provides an important measuring stick for both teams. While Los Angeles awaits Doncic’s arrival, they must stay focused on the task at hand—holding off a hungry Pacers squad that has been one of the league’s hottest teams in recent weeks.

Can LeBron James and the Lakers keep rolling and set the stage for Doncic’s debut? Or will Indiana continue its dominance on the road and strengthen its position in the East? With two teams playing at a high level, this game is shaping up to be one of the must-watch matchups of the weekend.