The first day “on location” didn’t exactly go to plan for The Big Dog… We’ll put that down to jet lag and move on. The biggest lesson? Never tip against the San Antonio Spurs. Just… don’t. Today’s “Play of the Day” is an Eastern Conference meeting that should be getting analysed as probably the most interesting game from today’s card… but in reality, it’s a game between two teams heading in very different directions.
Chicago Bulls @ Indiana Pacers
The Chicago Bulls were expected to be a lock for one of the top spots in the East. With only a handful of games remaining, it now seems unlikely that they will make the playoffs at all. They have dealt with possibly more than their fair share of injuries to key personnel but the biggest issue by far has been the Bulls’ deteriorating team chemistry. Coach Fred Hoiberg is under increasing pressure to keep his job, as the team has appeared less and less committed, over the course of their current four-game skid. This is all the more concerning, when you consider that the playoff equation has been becoming more difficult, as the players have appeared to produce less effort. Turning around this disappointing downward spiral is going to be extremely difficult and the reality is, it’s probably already too late. The Indiana Pacers are now three games clear of the Washington Wizards, who sit in ninth and play the Golden State Warriors today. If the Pacers can take their home winning streak to four, it should seal their place in the playoffs. With Paul George and rookie Myles Turner leading the way, Indiana should blow by the struggling Chicago soap opera. Thankfully, bookies have set the spread at an acceptable level and The Big Dog is all over it.
Selection
Indiana Pacers -6.5 @ $1.95 (William Hill)
Tools
Results Spreadsheet
