The Dallas Mavericks (39-25) will be at home in the American Airlines Center when they square off against the Indiana Pacers (38-25). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2020, and it can be seen on Fox Sports Midwest – Indiana.

Indiana Pacers at Dallas Mavericks Free Preview

The last time the Pacers played, they were victorious over the Chicago Bulls, 108-102, covering as 2-point favorites. Domantas Sabonis led Indiana in scoring with 24 points on 10-for-14 shooting. The Pacers knocked down 24 of their 33 free throws (72.7 percent) and held the Bulls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.459 (below their season average of 0.516). The two teams combined to score 210 points, which came in just over the O/U total of 208.5.

The Mavericks will look to maintain momentum after easily covering the 7.5-point spread against the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game, 121-96. With 26 points on 9-for-19 shooting, Kristaps Porzingis was the top scorer from either team. Dallas played a flawless game. They had a great turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 10.9) and a free throw rate of 0.137 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Memphis was 17.5 and 0.107, respectively. The two squads combined to score 217 points, which was under the projected point total of 224.5.

There’s a decent chance that Indiana struggles to create turnovers. Dallas ranks third in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.0 percent), while Indiana forces the 15th-most turnovers (13.7 percent).

Of Indiana’s 63 games, 33 have finished over the O/U total, while 39 of Dallas’ 64 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have respectable straight up (SU) records (38-25 for Indiana; 39-25 for Dallas), but the Mavericks have the edge against the spread (ATS). Dallas is 37-27 ATS, while the Pacers are 32-28-3.

These two clubs have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 215 points, just over the projected point total of 213. The Mavericks won 112-103, covering as 6-point underdogs. The Mavericks dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.256 and a great offensive rebounding percentage of 27.3. For those same stats, the Pacers put up marks of 0.083 and 17.0, respectively. Porzingis recorded a double-double with 38 points and 12 rebounds.

Pacers at Mavericks ATS Prediction

Free Pick: SU Winner – Mavericks, ATS Winner – Mavericks, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

Dallas ranks fourth in rebounds per game (47.1) while Indiana ranks 24th (42.8).

Indiana ranks fifth in assists per game (26.0) while Dallas ranks 13th (24.6).

The Pacers rank 21st in steals per game (7.3) while the Mavericks rank 27th (6.2).

Indiana is 18-13-1 ATS on the road, while Dallas is 14-18 ATS at home.

Bettings Trends:

Dallas is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in its last five games.

Over its past five games, Indiana is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.

The Mavericks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 6.3 for the season.

During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 108.6 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.2 points per game (0.1 below their season average).