Indiana Pacers - Atlanta Hawks predictions and free betting tips [14/04/2024]

The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks are set to face off on Sunday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are showing decent form, snagging 5 wins out of their last 7 matches, although they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their recent outing, scoring 120 to 129. During this clash, Pascal Siakam chalked up 19 points, with Myles Turner adding 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, and T.J. McConnell coming from the bench to contribute 16 points and 7 assists. Despite showing a fight and erasing a 14-point deficit, they allowed the opponent to pull away thanks to successful free throws.

Sitting at the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with a current metric of 46-35, the Pacers are on the brink of officially securing a playoff spot. They endured difficulty against Orlando and Philadelphia but held onto their chances to cement their post-season place. They had an opportunity to guarantee a playoff spot last Friday, yet the loss to the Cavs deferred these plans. Tyrese Haliburton displayed prominent play through most of the game, despite acknowledging his mistakes during the fourth quarter, which cost the team victory.

Their upcoming match against the Atlanta Hawks carries critical importance for the Pacers, with T.J. McConnell describing it as almost like a "seventh game".

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are struggling this season, losing 6 out of their last 8 games, leading to a 10th place standing in the Eastern Conference with an overall score of 36-45. Following their recent defeat, 106 to 109 on the road, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Hawks hope to put an end to their five-game losing streak. In that showdown, Trae Young contributed 19 points and 7 assists, Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 points, and Clint Capela scored 13 points accompanied with 11 rebounds. The team showed tenacity as they tried to claw back from an early 17-point deficit, but they couldn’t close out the game, allowing the Timberwolves to pull away.

Despite the struggles, particularly at the season's tail end, the team maintains optimism. Guard, Kobe Buffkin, believes the problems are not insurmountable and that the upcoming play-in against the Chicago Bulls will present an opportunity to rectify the situation. Trae Young, returning post-surgery, continues to post high-performing figures, crucial on the eve of crucial matches.

Match prediction: Indiana Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are still missing players: Wesley Matthews, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu are out due to injuries. At the same time, in the Pacers' lineup, Isaiah Jackson, Obi Toppin and Jalen Smith are in question. Indiana can still climb a position higher, outpacing Philly, whereas Atlanta is likely to play the reserves. I predict a confident victory for the Pacers.