The Golden State Warriors attempt to get back in the win column tonight in Indiana against the 0-5 Pacers at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Pacers have won six of the last seven games against the Warriors. However, this matchup appears quite different with Indiana missing Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, and T.J. McConnell.
Below, I preview the game and give my prediction for Golden State vs. Indiana.
Warriors vs. Pacers preview, prediction
Golden State has begun the season 4-2 and is coming off a 120-110 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. At times this season, the Warriors’ defense has been shaky, as they have allowed 118 or more points four times this year. Stephen Curry (27 PPG) and Jimmy Butler (21.7 PPG) are the Warriors’ top two scorers this season. Golden State has two more players (Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski) averaging double-digit points.
The Warriors have shown this season that when they are clicking on offense, they are hard to slow down; however, they need more consistency on a nightly basis. Curry has scored at least 25 points in five of his last six games against the Pacers. Golden State is at its best when its core surrounding Curry contributes and makes an impact. Draymond Green is having a good season so far, averaging 9 points, 7 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per contest. Green is shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 43.5 percent on three-pointers.
Indiana is one of three winless teams in the NBA this season. Until they get healthy, it will be hard for them to compete with a gutted roster. The Pacers are coming off a 20-point loss against the Atlanta Hawks. Pascal Siakam, currently Indiana’s best player, is averaging 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season.
Warriors vs. Pacers, best bet
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Warriors are -11.5 against the Pacers. But since three of Golden State’s victories have come by at least 10 points, I’m taking the Warriors -9.5 against Indiana. The Pacers are allowing the fourth-most points per game (123.6) to opposing teams this season. If the Warriors can contain Siakam, then they will have a good chance to beat the Pacers by at least 10 points.
