Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN

When: Wednesday, January 23rd, at 7:00 PM EST

How (TV/Radio): TSN+RDS2, Fox Sports Indiana | TSN Radio 1050 Toronto, 1070 The Fan/107.5 FM

Toronto Raptors (Away)

Head Coach: Nick Nurse {All-Time 35-13 | TOR}

The Toronto Raptors are still taking part in their see-saw affair with the Milwaukee Bucks for first in the East. With two more wins than the Bucks, but one more loss, the Raptors sit in second place due to win-percentage alone.

The Toronto Raptors have been on fire as of late, losing to only the Spurs and Celtics since the beginning of 2019. After soundly defeating the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday while simultaneously resting Kawhi Leonard over the previous two matches, the Raptors should be able to come out swinging against the Indiana Pacers as they begin their short three game road trip.

The Toronto Raptors have won their last two matches against the Pacers and thus own the tiebreaker against Indiana should their rankings be square come the end of the season. While the Pacers will surely want to establish at least one win against the Eastern Conference leaders, they recent play of the Pacers suggests the Raptors should be able to easily overcome them.

Indiana Pacers (Home)

Head Coach: Nate McMillan {All-Time 599-541 | SEA, POR, IND}

The Indiana Pacers has a firm hold on third place in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 31-15, the Pacers have a game and a half on the Sixers and aren’t showing any signs of giving up their place any time soon.

The Pacers have had a pretty difficult schedule up to this point, but it seems to be lightning as the season goes on. After they take on the Raptors, they face only two plus-.500 teams over the next two weeks. With a fully healthy squad, the Pacers may be able to put on a run to push for second in the East come All-Star weekend.

The Pacers lost their last two games against the Toronto Raptors, one by a close margin and another via blowout. With a healthy complement, they should be able to challenge the Raptors better. With Myles Turner back in the fold, their lack of interior defence – which failed them in their last meetings – will be better equipped to handle the Raptors.

What’s At Stake?

The Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors have met a number of times over the history of their respective franchises. In 87 regular season games, the Pacers maintain a slight edge over the Raptors 47-40.

A win for the Toronto Raptors would put them back in first place in the Eastern Conference, ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks.

With a game and a half over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Indiana Pacers would stand pat but secure their hold on third in the East with a win over the Raptors.

Questions to answer

Has CJ Miles finally found his form for the Raptors?

Can Turner and Sabonis Halt the Raptors Offence?

We are going to compare the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers in an attempt to see who has the advantage in this matchup.

CJ Miles Has Found His Range As Of Late

Last season CJ Miles was the Toronto Raptors’ designated sniper off the bench. While his shooting was acceptable at the league average 36% from range, he was a threat to get hot scoring 10-19 points 27 times and 20-plus points seven times. So far this season, Miles has registered more than 10 points only six times so far this season.

Despite his struggles, in the Raptors’ last two games against the Suns and the Grizzlies Miles seems to have found a rhythm in his shooting. Going 5-11 in his last two games while registering 13 points in each. While not spectacular numbers, Miles has been very confidently coming off of screens and finding his spot in transition to help create opportunities for himself.

Miles will look to punish the Pacers. Against a team that manufactures efficient shots from range, Miles will have to assist the Raptors in order to match them in terms of three point field-goals. Not to mention that Miles spent three seasons in Indiana, perhaps the familiar rims will be a benefit to him.

Turner and Sabonis Are Finally Back in the Lineup Together

The frontline of Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis has been the true key to the Pacers success so far this season. Perhaps a decade ago, these two players would never share the court due to their physical abilities and skills, but today they lead one of the most fearsome defensive lines in the league.

Most teams are unable to tout two centres on the court at the same time. Luckily for the Pacers neither Turner or Sabonis ever truly get caught out by opposing guards due to their defensive intelligence and physical ability to recover quickly. With Turner and Sabonis on the court, the Pacers hold opponent to 93.2 points per 100 possessions, which is remarkably higher than the Pacers already impressive 103.8 defensive rating.

One of the Toronto Raptors most effective weapons is their front court pairing of Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam. Both incredibly agile and able to attack individually and off of the pick and roll, not many teams can keep up with their ability. Cue Sabonis and Turner, two front court partners that have the potential to stop them. Should the Raptors scoring dry up inside, their poor shooting may fail them to the benefit of the Pacers.

Toronto Raptors Roster Notes

F OG Anunoby – Day To Day (Personal) – The Raptors listed Anunoby as OUT for Saturday’s game (Jan. 19) against the Grizzlies.

F Kawhi Leonard – Day To Day (Rest) – Leonard was ruled OUT for Saturday’s (Jan 19) game.

C Jonas Valanciunas – Out (Thumb) – Head coach Nick Nurse said Valanciunas will miss at least another 2 weeks.

Indiana Pacers Roster Notes

The Pacers have no current injuries to report.

Head-to-Head: Greg Monroe vs Kyle O’Quinn

Greg Monroe

Center | 6-11, 265lb (211cm, 120kg) | Georgetown | Exp. 9 Years

5.2 PPG | 0.4 APG | 4.3 RPG | 0.3 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 0.9 TOV | .468 FG% | .000 3P%

Domantas Sabonis

Center | 6-11, 240lb (211cm, 108kg) | Gonzaga | Exp. 3 Years

15.0 PPG | 2.9 APG | 9.6 RPG | 0.7 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 2.2 TOV | .617 FG% | .750 3P%

Greg Monroe and Domantas Sabonis are two centers of different style but similar ability. Both are energy players that get on the boards and pass the ball to benefit the team. Whereas Monroe is more traditional in the low-post, Sabonis operates well out of the high-post as a passer and attacker off the dribble.

Since the injury of Valanciunas, Monroe has stepped into the role of able contributor for the Toronto Raptors. while his statistics aren’t spectacular, he has been able to offer the Raptors a similar asset to Valanciunas as a low-post scorer and tenacious rebounder on both ends.

Sabonis has been key to the success of the Indiana Pacers. A true utility man, Sabonis is the player that allows every other Pacer to complete their job successfully. His ability to punish smaller forwards while maintaining the athleticism needed for the Pacers style of play is key to the Pacers offensive and defensive schemes.

Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers Predictions and Odds

The odds will be updated as they are made available.