Even though Christmas is over, the December 28th NBA free betting pick is all about the Holidays as siblins Justin, Aaron, and Jrue all take the court on Saturday night. The line of IND -1 is an interesting one with the Pacers being a better team, but also coming in off a 1-point loss at Miami on Friday night. The Pelicans meanwhile have won two straight. It’s another game where there is legitimate value on both sides.
Can Indiana Rebound on a Quick Turnaround?
The Pacers played good on Friday night, giving a Miami team that is 14-1 at home a run for their money in South Beach. The Pacers showed good balance in that game as seven players scored at least 11 points. Nate McMillan did a good job of limiting the minutes too as Domantas Sabonis logged the most court time with 31:09. That should leave Indiana on the fresh side for the December 28th NBA free betting pick.
Indiana is still going to be playing a New Orleans team that has had the past two nights off however. The Pelicans also come in with just a 4-11 home record, but with back-to-back road wins over playoff quality teams.
The Pacers do have a top 7 defense and their 113 points allowed to Miami isn’t horrible considering the Heat rank 7th in the league in offensive efficiency. New Orleans is down there at 21st in that category. The Pacers have given up 117 to Milwaukee and 102 to the Lakers in the last 10+ days which are both quality defensive outings. The Pacers have also averaged 116 in the last two games without Malcolm Brogdon.
Pelicans Aim for Third Straight
Many people presumed that the Pelicans are too good and too talented to be summonsed to the bottom of the Western Conference – even while #1 draft pick Zion Williamson is sidelined with a knee injury. New Orleans could be showing signs of turning things around after posting wins at Portland (102-94) and at Denver (112-100) in the last two games.
New Orleans looked great on Christmas night, winning at the Pepsi Center as +9 point underdogs. Brandon Ingram was lights out hitting 7 of 9 three pointers while Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, and Josh Hart all contributed at least 15 points. Holiday should have the troops rallied on Saturday night as he definitely wants a win over brothers Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday of the Pacers.
December 28th NBA Free Betting Pick
The two wins in a row are nice for New Orleans, but it’s time for them to prove they can start getting the job done in the Big Easy. The Pelicans have gone 0-6 ATS their last six at the Smoothie King Center. Indiana being fresh would be a challenge to New Orleans, but how do the Pacers bounce back after getting beaten by a Goran Dragic bucket with 6.8 seconds left last night? New Orleans also runs the 5th fastest pace in the league which gives them the edge here.
Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +1
