Pick #1: Austin Reaves o14.5 Points (-130 BetMGM)

**Austin Reaves Poised for Offensive Explosion Against Pacers**

In Sunday's NBA showdown between the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers, all signs point to Austin Reaves emerging as a key player to watch. With the Pacers' porous defense and Reaves' favorable matchup, betting on him to score over 14.5 points seems like a solid wager.

Reaves may not always be a top choice for bettors due to the Lakers' offensive inconsistencies, but this game presents a golden opportunity for him to shine. Indiana ranks second-worst in the league in points allowed to shooting guards, setting the stage for Reaves to capitalize on their defensive vulnerabilities. Notably, Reaves dropped an impressive 28 points against the Pacers earlier this season during the In Season Tournament Championship, showcasing his ability to exploit their defensive weaknesses.

While Reaves has failed to surpass the 14.5-point mark in his last three outings, his overall season average of 15.8 points suggests that he is more than capable of achieving this feat, especially given the favorable matchup against Indiana. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis expected to draw defensive attention from the Pacers, Reaves should have ample opportunities to capitalize on open looks and contribute to the Lakers' offensive efforts.

Moreover, the Lakers enter the game as 4.5-point favorites, indicating that Reaves is likely to see significant playing time and opportunities to score. Additionally, the fast pace at which the Pacers play further enhances Reaves' scoring potential, as it translates to more possessions and scoring opportunities for the Lakers' offense.

Considering the favorable matchup, Reaves' past success against the Pacers, and the potential for increased playing time and offensive opportunities, betting on him to score over 14.5 points appears to be a smart move. Given the likelihood of the line moving as game time approaches, bettors may want to lock in this wager early to capitalize on favorable odds.