Arriving from of a powerful – but losing – playoff effort last season vs the Chicago Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start out the 2011-2012 season. The squad is going through its greatest early record in the previous 8 years, but are still struggling vs the more skillful teams in the league. Whereas they’re 11-4 thus far, only 4 of those victories are vs teams with records above .500.

Football odds

With the Orlando Magic arriving to visit on Tuesday, January 24, the Indiana Pacers will have a better challenge on their hands, and they’re going to need the home court edge tonight. Indiana is undefeated at home this season and will look to broaden their record to 6-0. If they’re able to pull out a win, it will likely be the 1st time the squad has opened up a season with six straight home victories since the 2002-2003 season.

NFL betting

But the Magic are a fearsome enemy who are 11-5 on the season thus far. And the recent past is most on Orlando’s side. The Magic have beat the Indiana Pacers in Indiana in all the previous three matchups between the two. In reality, Orlando has won these contests on the road in Indianapolis by typically 13 points. The newest match between the two was January 26, 2011.

The Indiana Pacers will also need to find a method to handle Magic star Dwight Howard. Howard has headed the squad to an 11-3 record over Indiana, and he has put up double-doubles in all of these matches. Despite the challenges ahead for the Indiana Pacers, the sports book posts them as the -3 favorites to wipe out the Magic. The total is set at 182.5.

Both teams come into this match with a 7-3 record over their last 10 matches. The Indiana Pacers have a 5-0 home record thus far, whereas the Magic are 5-3 on the road. Watch for Orlando to make a remarkably powerful showing after their disastrous 87-56 loss to the Celts a handful of days ago.

• Previous Entry: Bulldogs vs Wildcats in College Basketball Sports Wagering