The NBA is set to get the second half of its season underway and both the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers will get their first taste of action on Wednesday night.
The Spurs are in the midst of a long, nine-game road trip and they are hoping that a good stretch here can propel them to a playoff run. The Spurs were expected to be championship contenders at the beginning of the year but they simply haven't gelled and haven't looked like a real threat to the Los Angeles Lakers for the West crown.
But the Spurs had a good, quality prior to the All-Star Break and they will be looking to build on it after. The Spurs topped the Denver Nuggets 111-92 in Denver, which is quite a feat. Not many teams have won in Denver and a big road win for the Spurs will give them confidence.
On Wednesday, they'll have another manageable game as they head to Indiana, a team that has had plenty of struggles of their own. The Pacers have just 18 wins in 52 games and don't really have much an identity or a foundation to work with.
Look for the Spurs to dominate this contest on Wednesday.
San Antonio Spurs @ Indiana Pacers
Bookmaker Odds (Bookmaker Reviews): Spurs -3
The Spurs have been a big disappointment this year to many fans and you can't blame the support cast.
The Spurs have plenty of new contributors but unfortunately, the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker haven't been as productive, which has hurt the team. Overall, Parker and Ginobili have averaged 7.2 points per game less than last year and their rebounds are down as well.
While the Spurs have new young contributors such as DeJuan Blair, George Hill and Richard Jefferson, they still look old and slow.
Overall, that shouldn't matter on Wednesday as the Pacers are a lousy Eastern Conference team. Those who bet sports know that the Pacers are just 4-9 in their last 13 games and are just 12-14 at home.
They like to run and gun but the Spurs should be able to dictate the pace with their defense. The Spurs have a big edge on the inside in this contest and that is what is going to lead to another road win for them.
NBA Betting Pick: Spurs
