Arriving from of a formidable – but losing – playoff effort last year vs the Bulls, the Indiana Pacers came roaring back to commence the 2011-2012 year. The team is experiencing its best early record in the previous 8 years, but are still troubled vs the more proficient squads in the league. While they are 11-4 thus far, simply 4 of those wins are vs squads with records above .500.
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With the Orlando Magic coming to visit on Tuesday, January 24, the Pacers will have a greater challenge on their hands, and they will need the home court advantage tonight. Indiana is unbeaten at home this year and will look to expand their record to 6-0. If they’re able to grab a victory, it’ll be the 1st time the team has started off a year with 6 consecutive home wins since the 2002-2003 year.
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However the Magic are a fearsome enemy who are 11-5 on the year thus far. And recent history is all on Orlando’s side. The Magic have beat the Pacers in Indiana in all the previous 3 matchups between the two. Actually, Orlando has won these competitions on the road in Indianapolis by an average of 13 points. The most recent competition between the two was January 26, 2011.
The Pacers will also have to find a way to handle Magic celebrity Dwight Howard. Howard has led the team to an 11-3 record over Indiana, and he has put up double-doubles in all of these games. In spite of the challenges ahead for the Pacers, the sportsbook lists them as the -3 favorites to beat the Magic. The total is established at 182.5.
Both squads come into this match with a 7-3 record over their last 10 games. The Pacers have a 5-0 home record thus far, whereas the Magic are 5-3 on the road. Watch for Orlando to make a remarkably formidable showing after their devastating 87-56 loss to the Celts a couple of days ago.
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