Posted by nick in blogging.
Leading off from a virtuous – but fruitless – first round playoff series in 2011 against the Chicago Bulls, the Indiana Pacers have come roaring back to start the 2011-2012 season. The team is experiencing its best early record in the previous eight years, but are still struggling against the more proficient teams in the league.
However, the Orlando Magic are a fearsome opponent who are 11-5 on the year at this point. And recent history is clearly on Orlando’s side. The Magic have won over the Pacers in Indiana in each of the previous three matchups of the two.
Both teams come into this meeting with a 7-3 record over their previous ten contests. The Pacers have a 5-0 record at home so far, while the Magic are 5-3 away from home. Expect Orlando to make a surprisingly strong start after their disastrous 87-56 blowout to the Boston Celtics a few days ago.