Toronto Raptors vs. Indiana Pacers: Betting Preview & Key Storylines

Date: February 24, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

The Toronto Raptors (22-35) head to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers (32-25) in an Eastern Conference showdown. The Pacers are looking to strengthen their playoff positioning, while the Raptors continue their rebuild and fight for a Play-In spot.

Betting Odds & Spread (as of latest sportsbook data)

• Spread: Pacers -6.5
• Over/Under: 234.5 points
• Moneyline: Raptors +220 | Pacers -275

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Pacers’ Offensive Firepower vs. Raptors’ Inconsistent Defense

Indiana boasts one of the top-scoring offenses in the NBA, led by Tyrese Haliburton, who continues to distribute at an elite level. The Pacers play at one of the fastest paces in the league, averaging over 120 points per game. Toronto will have to slow the game down to have a chance, as their defensive inconsistencies could be exposed.

2. Raptors’ Post-Trade Adjustments

After trading away OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors have shifted their focus to Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. While Barnes has looked strong as the new face of the franchise, the team is still figuring out chemistry with its new lineup. Can Toronto’s young core step up against a high-powered Pacers offense?

3. Home Court Advantage for Indiana

The Pacers have been solid at home, with a 19-10 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Their ability to control tempo and exploit matchups will be crucial against a Raptors team that has struggled to win on the road.

4. Injury Updates

• Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl (out – ankle), Gary Trent Jr. (questionable – hamstring)
• Indiana Pacers: No major injuries reported

The absence of Poeltl leaves the Raptors vulnerable in the paint, which Myles Turner and Indiana’s big men could take advantage of.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Tyrese Haliburton vs. Scottie Barnes – Can Barnes slow down Haliburton’s playmaking?
• RJ Barrett vs. Bennedict Mathurin – Two young wings who can score in bunches.
• Myles Turner vs. Raptors’ Undersized Frontcourt – Without Poeltl, Toronto could struggle in the paint.

Betting Trends to Consider

• Pacers ATS Record: Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 home games.
• Raptors ATS Record: Toronto is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 road games.
• Over/Under Trends: The Over has hit in 6 of the last 8 Pacers games due to their high-scoring style.

Final Prediction

The Pacers’ elite offense and home-court advantage make them the clear favorite, while the Raptors’ lack of size in the paint and ongoing chemistry adjustments could make it difficult to keep pace. Unless Toronto slows the game down and controls possessions, Indiana should comfortably cover the spread.

Prediction: Pacers win and cover, with the total leaning toward the Over in a fast-paced game.