NBA
Indiana enters at 1-0 after scoring 123 points, shooting 52.2% from the field, and piling up 29 assists with 43 rebounds in its opener. Dallas sits at 0-1 after allowing 128 points, posting only 20 assists against 21 turnovers, and shooting 51.9% overall but just 29.7% from three with a 65.4% mark at the line. The Pacers also own the better early offensive efficiency and a much stronger defensive efficiency number, while Dallas has already been pushed into catch-up mode defensively.
Indiana is projected to control this game with its offense and ball movement, while Dallas' early defensive issues keep the Mavericks from projecting as a strong road side. The Pacers' efficient scoring, better rebounding, and sharper offensive rating give them the cleaner profile, and the home team should be able to pull away late. Final projection: Indiana Pacers 124, Dallas Mavericks 114.
