The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers have both struggled with injuries to major players this season. However, there is still time to turn things around and make a playoff run. To do so, they are going to have to win games like the one we are about to watch tonight. In a battle between two struggling teams who are not giving up, which team is the right NBA pick?
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Indiana Pacers
Monday, January 31, 2022 – 07:00 PM EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Los Angeles Clippers
The fact that the Clippers have lost their two highest-paid players and are still competitive is a testament to their roster and to the coaching of Tyronn Lue. After losing Paul George, many thought the Clippers would be sinking in the standings to become irrelevant and grab a lottery spot. That has not been the case, however, as they are still fighting valiantly. The Clippers are 3-2 over the last 5, all on the road. They continue their road trip tonight in Indiana versus a Pacers team that has struggled with injuries as well.
Despite all the injuries, the Clippers are 25-26 on the year and still in contention to make the playoffs. The Clippers are 10-14 on the road this season and 5-5 in their last 10 games. Los Angeles has a point differential of -1.1 on the season.
Reggie Jackson has stepped up in the absence of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Reggie Jackson is the team scoring leader at 16.4 points per game. Ivica Zubac is providing excellent play at the center position. Zubac leads the team with 8 rebounds per game and is arguably the team's best rim protector. He is playing well, but the team does not lose much when they go to the bench.
Isaiah Hartenstein has shown excellent ability, averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds in just 15 minutes per game this season. So while the season has been marred by injuries, there have been bright spots for the Clippers, especially at the center position.
Eric Bledsoe is a talented player but has kind of been forgotten by NBA fans. After Bledsoe couldn't get it done in Milwaukee and was jettisoned to New Orleans, many had written him off as no longer being able to positively contribute to a playoff NBA team. Bledsoe is proving everyone wrong. His veteran influence on the floor and his high level of defense have helped the Clippers immensely this season. Bledsoe is proving that he still has a place on an NBA roster.
Two young players also making a step forward have been Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston. Brandon Boston was a high scorer coming out of school and he is learning the game. He will continue to develop and contribute, especially as he raises his defensive acumen. Amir Coffey is another young player who's making the most of his playing time, averaging 8 points in just 21 minutes per game. So while the Clippers obviously are disappointed to lose their best players, they are making the best of a bad situation by developing young talent.
Indiana Pacers
It can be reasonably argued that the Indiana Pacers have had the most disappointing season of any team in the NBA this year. The Pacers had high hopes to make a good playoff seeding this season, but at 18-33, they are staring at a lottery pick. The Pacers are 12-13 at home this year and 3-7 and their last 10. Indiana has a point differential of -2.1 on the season.
Yes, the Pacers have had multiple injuries this season, but it's hard to point to a team that has not struggled with injuries and COVID protocols. The Pacers have simply not been able to overcome their losses. Whether this is due to bad coaching, bad roster management, or plain bad luck, the Pacers simply are not getting it done.
Once again, the Pacers will be looking at a patchwork squad. Three of their five expected starters for the beginning of the year will miss the game in Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner, and T.J. Warren. Backup T.J. McConnell is also out and Goga Bitadze is a game-time decision.
Of the Pacers that will be in the lineup, Domantas Sabonis is playing the best basketball. Sabonis leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists at 19, 12, and 5 respectively. Sabonis has been brilliant this year on the offensive end, but one can reasonably say that his defense has been lacking. As the Pacers realize that this core is not getting things done, Sabonis is on the trade block and might not be in the Pacers uniform at the end of the trade deadline.
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Key Matchup
Marcus Morris vs. Domantas Sabonis. Domantas Sabonis is the key to the Pacers' offense. If you shut down Sabonis you can turn them into an average jump-shooting team. Sabonis unlocks everything for the team on the offensive end. He has the ability to score down low. If opponents double him in the post, he is an adept passer who will find the open man.
If the Pacers want to space things out, Sabonis also needs to be respected on the outside. Sabonis has the gravity to bring a defender out with him. The Clippers’ Marcus Morris is an excellent defender and he will do his best to shut down Sabonis.
If Morris is able to shut down Sabonis, the Pacers will most likely lose again. If Sabonis has a good game, the Pacers have a good chance of victory.
Best Bet
I like the Clippers here to get it done and cover at the NBA odds. I just can't trust the Pacers at all. The Pacers are more talented but the Clippers give more effort. I’ll take the Clippers, whose effort I can count on. Today’s Play of the Day is the Los Angeles Clippers +2 at one of BMR's top-rated sportsbooks.
NBA Pick: Los Angeles Clippers +2 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
