NonStopSportsPicks
2* Pacers +5
I think the Pacers FINALLY got over the hump in game 2. What we saw in game 1 was a Wizards team that hit EVERYTING they threw up, and Beal & crew just absolutely went off. That was an outlier to the norm in terms of offensive efficiency, and if they play that way again, they will win. However, I just don’t see it happening. Roy Hibbert had a stellar game 2, and I’m not sure Indiana can expect it again or with regularity. However, the Pacers DON’T need 28 points from him. They need him to rebound, and be a defensive presence on the floor. And I think that can be expected to some degree. So long as he alters shots, plays with passion, and gives productive minutes, they SHOULD be okay with Hibbert. And like I said in the game 2 write-up…if he doesn’t perform, Vogel has NO choice but to bench him as he’s coaching for his job. So look for the Pacers to come out and be competitive with a chance to win with the pressure surprisingly on the Wizards, coming home to Washington where fans THINK and EXPECT them to win.