David Banks
Indiana @ Portland
Pick: Portland -7
Two of the NBA’s most mediocre teams will meet on Wednesday night. The 9-9 Pacers travel to face the 9-10 Trail Blazers. Indiana has won its last two, including a 91-70 win over the Clippers on Sunday. It was just the fourth loss of the season for Los Angeles and showed what the Pacers are capable of doing. The problem for Indiana heading west is that they will likely face Portland without leading scorer Paul George (20.8 ppg). C.J. Miles, who has been playing about 23 minutes a game, may also be out. Miles averages 13 points a game and did not play in the win over the Clippers.
The Trail Blazers feature one of the NBA’s best backcourts in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Lillard is one of the league’s top scorers averaging 28.2 points a game. He also dishes out 5.3 assists a game. McCollum adds 22.3 a game shooting nearly 45 percent from 3-point range. Portland is fourth in the league in scoring, but where the Trail Blazers fail is on defense. They are one of the NBA’s worst defensive teams. Portland gives up 113.7 points per game, 29th in the league. That includes Sunday night’s 130-114 loss to Houston where Rockets guard James Harden scored 38.
Portland does have a winning record (5-4) at home. The Pacers have not done well on the road this season. They are just 1-5 away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Dave Cokin
UC Irvine at Santa Clara
Play: Santa Clara -1
Not surprising that Santa Clara has already shown improvement with the basics under Herb Sendek. He had marginal success at NC State and Arizona State, big time programs that he wasn't a great fit for. At this level, he should do well. The Broncos are taking good care of the ball, they're making their free throws and competing. Irvine is struggling with Luke Nelson still unable to play with a bad hammy. The Anteaters are still a solid enough defensive entry, but they cannot shoot a lick thus far. The home team won't get many second chances on the offensive glass here. I liked what I saw from the Broncos in a very competitive loss to Arizona, and feel they have a good chance to get a win here. I'll spot the one with Santa Clara.