NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
(NBA) Indiana vs. Dallas,
Point Spread: -4.50 | -110.00 Indiana (Away)
Result: Loss
Play: Indiana Pacers
Rating: 8*

The Indiana Pacers will close out a five-game road trip Friday night, and they have the luxury of doing it at the worst team in the NBA right now. The 4-17 Dallas Mavericks have lost four of their last five games and didn't stand a chance in a 120-89 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Note that the Mavericks are 1-6 ATS in their last four games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 0-4 ATS in their last four Friday games. The Pacers meanwhile are coming off a 109-94 win at Phoenix and are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Paul George enjoyed his best game since recovering from an ankle injury and collected 25 points and 13 rebounds.

The Pacers have covered the spread in seven of the last eight meetings at American Airlines Center, and I don't think the injury-ridden Mavs will be able to keep this a close game.