Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Toronto Raptors won the first in this back-to-back against the Indiana Pacers.
• The Pacers stars were abysmal from the field in their first outing against the Toronto Raptors.
• The Raptors are ninth in the East, while the Pacers are ranked fourth.

Odds from DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or check out more offers and promo codes for the best online sportsbooks.

Raptors vs Pacers Predictions and Picks

The Toronto Raptors looked strong in their first outing and that was without the contributions of Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry. Even if the Pacers improve their shooting, the Raptors look to defensively sound to drop another.

Pick:

Toronto Raptors to Win (+112)

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

How to Watch Raptors vs Pacers

Head-to-Head: Raptors vs Pacers

Raptors Must Outpace the Pacers

Once again the Toronto Raptors play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA. Not only does it suit their personnel, but against the Pacers, they can take advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses.

The Pacers are one of the few teams in the NBA to play two traditional big men with Sabonis and Turner. With an undersized Raptors team, Toronto chose to push the break and find opportunities against transition without Indiana’s giants troubling them.

What the Raptors must be wary of is the rebounding battle. Despite coming out with a win, they were out-rebounded 45-47. If the Pacers start finding a rhythm in the paint, Toronto will need to adapt their game plan.

Editor’s Picks

• NBA Central Division Winner Odds & Predictions 2020/2021
• NBA Atlantic Division Winner Odds & Predictions 2020/2021
• 2021 NBA Championship Odds & Predictions

More Stars, Fewer Heroes

The Indiana Pacers made their way to the top three of the Eastern Conference table with gritty defense and concentrated team play on the offensive end. Neither of those characteristics were seen in their recent loss to the Toronto Raptors.

The star pair of Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner combined for 22 points on a dreadful six of 32 shooting from the field. Brogdon accounted for 22 of the Pacers’ attempts, despite only making five field goals.

If the Pacers hope to even this season series, they need to find better production from their stars.

Raptors Key Player: (F) OG Anunoby

OG showed up & showed out

30 Pts | 8 Reb | 5 Stl | 4 3pm pic.twitter.com/c7eAWsMTGY

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 25, 2021

With Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam unavailable in their last outing, it was the newly extended OG Anunoby who stepped up his game in the Hoosier state.

The former Indiana University product put up 30 points, eight rebounds, and five steals on nine of 16 shooting from the field. His four three-pointers were a difference-maker in this match.

There will be a watchful eye on Anunoby in the second match of this back-to-back, so it will be a test of Anunoby’s distribution skills and how he handles pressure this time out.

Pacers Key Player: (C) Myles Turner

6️⃣ more swats for the @NBA‘s block leader @Original_Turner ✋? pic.twitter.com/Wn1RsEI9Rn

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 25, 2021

One of the few bright spots for the Indiana Pacers in their last match was Myles Turner. The fifth year forward is having one of his best seasons ever.

Turner is averaging 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game on 48.9% from the field and 30.5% from three.

Against the small-ball Raptors, Turner can do much more to expose his opponents in the paint. As he was mostly guarded by Stanley Johnson or OG Anunoby, Turner has a clear advantage in the post.