Indiana at Charlotte

This is a chance for redemption for the Pacers who could not find a cover vs. Charlotte last year. But the Indiana philosophy changed last year, trying to become a running team was with mixed results. It was somewhat forced when Jermaine O'Neal went down with injuries, but it seemed when he was in the lineup, things reverted to dumping it in and standing around. It now appears, after a summer of working together, that the balance coach Carlisle has sought has been achieved. The athleticism is there to accommodate this style, and may be a precursor was the pre-season game vs Charlotte, in which Indiana had 25 fast-break points, 27 assists, and only 9 turnovers. Charlotte seems to play up at home to the elite, as last year when they were a significant home dog (+5 or more), they usually came away with the cover (10-4 ATS). However it has been a different story when a close match-up is expected, and the opponent doesn't take them lightly. They managed just 3 covers in 11 tries as a short dog of +4.5 or less! It is often a team that has changed styles, struggled a bit, but has become comfortable now, has a reason to be confident, and I think the Pacers are ready to put on that display. Indiana here.