The set-up: The 16-24 Sacramento Kings close a seven-game homestand tonight when they face the 21-19 Indiana Pacers, who are opening a three-game Western road trip.

Indiana: The Pacers come in having won six of their last seven but but five of thoise games were played at home (Pacers won all five, while splitting teh two road games). The Pacers are led by George (22.0-6.1-3.3), Turner (15.6 & 7.7) and Teague (15.6-4.1-8.0)but have eight others averaging between 5.9 and 11.8 PPG. However, defense has been an issue for most of the season, as the Pacers allow 106.8 PPG (23rd).

Sacramento: The Kings have flopped on the team's seven-game homestand, losing five of the first six. Defense has been a problem for Sacramento, as with Indiana, as the Kings allowed at least 106 points in each loss during the homestand and 120 or more in the last two. Throw in the fact that the Kings also committed 43 turnovers in their last two defeats, and it's easy to see why the homestand has been a disaster.

The pick: However, despite the team's disappointing homestand, the Kings are still just one game out of the West's final playoff. The Kings need to win here, as after this contest, it's 12 days away from home in which they'll play eight games. The Pacers should play the perfect foil, as they are 5-14 SU & ATS on the road, allowing more than 110 PPG. However, can the Kings be trusted, the way they've played defense lately? The Over is the safer choice. Make it a 10*.