:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69308401/usa_today_16088022.0.jpg)
Final update: McDermott didn’t take another shot in Indiana’s 144-117 win and finished with 21 points. Oshae Brissett and Miles Bridges ended up leading all scorers with 23 points.
Third-quarter update: McDermott has cooled all the way off and finished the third quarter with a game-high 21 points. He only took one shot in the third quarter and might not contribute much more because of the Pacers’ massive lead.
Halftime update: McDermott wasn’t nearly as exciting in the second quarter and finished the half with a game-high 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting. He also has a pair of assists and a rebound. Indiana’s scoring has been fairly evenly distributed, so McDermott could finish lead all scorers at the final buzzer. His total points line was 16.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook and he blew right past that figure. The Pacers are up 69-45.
The play-in tournament has begun, and Doug McDermott is coming alive. The Indiana Pacers forward powered his team to a 40-24 lead against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday by lighting it up from the field. McDermott scored a game-high 16 first-quarter points on 5-of-6 shooting. He knocked down four of his five attempts from long range.
Indiana needed a boost on offense, with Malcolm Brogdon having his minutes monitored and Caris LeVert ruled out because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. McDermott has provided just that through the first frame and could be crucial to the Pacers’ attempt to keep their season alive.
It’ll be hard to keep McDermott off the floor if he remains this hot from the field, and Justin Holiday will likely relieve him for short spells throughout the contest. We’ll keep track of his progress throughout the game here to see if he continues to build on his impressive outing.
McDermott had his point total for this game set at 16.5 on +100 juice. He’s one point away from hitting the over if you were wise enough to take a chance on McBuckets. DK Nation’s very own Jovan Alford wrote up McDermott O16.5 points on this line before the game in his player props write-up. Hopefully you tailed him.