Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers preview

In tonight’s Eastern Conference matchup, the Washington Wizards (14-10) are playing the Indiana Pacers (9-16) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Will Bradley Beal and the Wizards end their two-game skid and win their fifth consecutive game versus the Pacers?

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers news

Heading into Monday night’s intraconference contest, the Wizards are 12-12 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the Pacers are 12-13 against the spread. This game will air live at 7 p.m. ET via Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports South, NBA League Pass and NBC Sports Washington. According to Land of Basketball’s database, based on 184 all-time regular season games played head-to-head, Indiana is 101-83 versus Washington. On Oct. 22, 2021, the Wizards defeated them 135-134 in overtime.

Besides comparing team records, the Wizards are failing to remain competitive on the road. For the first time in quite awhile, the team has lost consecutive games by double digits. Their slump is especially noticeable, considering how aggressive they play at home. The bottom line is that Washington is unpredictable. Unreliability is one thing they have in common with the Pacers. Bettors are unsure which team will show up on any given day. So far, through 21 games played, guard Bradley Beal is averaging 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game this season.

Wizards see back-to-back blowout losses as big test for who they are https://t.co/7u7prbSZOs

— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) December 6, 2021

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 211

Point spread: Pacers -5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Wizards +170, Pacers -200

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers injury report

Wizards: C Thomas Bryant (questionable) | PF Rui Hachimura (out indefinitely)

Pacers: SF Justin Holiday (out indefinitely) | SF T.J. Warren (out indefinitely) | PG T.J. McConnell (out indefinitely)

Injury Update: T.J. Warren (left foot) will not have another scan until later this month, or early January. He will not play in December, according to Rick Carlisle.

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 3, 2021

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers preview

Furthermore, on Sunday, in the Wizards’ 102-90 road loss versus the Raptors, forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led his team in scoring, putting up 26 points in 28 minutes on the court. Guard Bradley Beal also ended his performance with 14 points, 1.0 rebound and 7.0 assists in 35 minutes of action. In a high-scoring second quarter, the Raptors outscored them 40 to 30.

Plus, Washington surrendered 46 points in the paint. They shot 30-for-73 (41.1%) from the field and 8-for-25 (32%) from three-point range. The Wizards have lost six out of their past 10 games. While terrific at Capital One Arena, they are inconsistent on the road. Including this defeat, the team is now 6-7 away, 8-3 at home and 4-9 ATS away this season.

Meanwhile, in the Pacers’ 113-104 home loss against the Heat last Friday, guard Caris LeVert scored a team-high 27 points in 37 minutes spent on the court. Center Myles Turner contributed 20 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 34 minutes played as well. The Heat outscored them 50 to 38 in the key. Not to mention, they shot 35-for-80 (43.8%) from the floor and 9-for-36 (25%) from behind the arc.

Fans at Gainbridge Arena booed their team against Miami, and the Pacers deserved it. Miami had multiple players sitting out, such as Jimmy Butler. Head coach Rick Carlisle’s team has lost seven out of their previous 10 games, and the Pacers’ losing streak was extended to four games. Indiana is 6-6 at home, 3-10 away and 6-6 ATS at home.

Projected starting lineup

Wizards: PG Spencer Dinwiddie | SG Bradley Beal | SF Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | PF Kyle Kuzma | C Daniel Gafford

Pacers: PG Malcolm Brogdon | SG Caris LeVert | SF Chris Duarte | PF Domantas Sabonis | C Myles Turner

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers prediction

Moreover, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference contest is set at 211. Referencing the spread consensus, 54% of bettors are predicting the Wizards will cover the spread at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Pertaining to the point total consensus, 61% of gamblers are hoping the total will go over 211. Thus far, Washington is 7-5 as a favorite, 7-5 as an underdog and 4-9 ATS away, while Indiana is 5-9 as a favorite, 4-7 as an underdog and 6-6 ATS at home.

For notable betting trends, the Wizards are 2-6 ATS in their past eight performances. The total has also gone over in 10 of their last 14 games played in December. In addition to the Wizards’ 4-1 ATS record in their previous five matches versus the Pacers, they are 1-6 ATS in their past seven road contests. Next, the team is 1-5 straight up in their last six games played against Eastern Conference opponents, and they are 1-4 ATS in their previous five matches at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

As for the Pacers, they are 2-4 ATS in their last six performances. Also, the total has gone over in five of Indiana’s past six games. However, the team is 1-5 SU in their previous six games, too. And, the total has gone over in the team’s last five contests at home. Even when playing at home, Indiana has disappointed a lot of folks. The team cannot be trusted to win. In other words, pick the Wizards to win on the road, but the Pacers will cover the spread.