There's two basic mindsets for an elimination game

[cleaveland]

According to an NBA announcer, I don't remember which one but this has stuck with me for years and I think it's totally true...

Some teams come into an elimination game ready to fight for their lives.

Some teams come into an elimination game thinking about their vacations (as in they've mentally checked out and given up).

Which of these two mindsets do you think Indiana will be in?

When you look at it that way I don't see how you can take Indiana at all in game 4, I wouldn't even want them +12.5 as part of an 8 point teaser. It should be an easy win for Chicago from that angle but you've also got the fact that Indiana is 3-0 ATS the spread in this series and it's incredibly hard to keep that up for a fourth game.

What's the rational for taking Indiana then?

[dwluv3333]

They're at home. I don't see them thinking about vacation just yet. They'll try as hard as they can to ensure that Chicago's victory coronation takes place outside of their home court.

[cleaveland]

They're at home. I don't see them thinking about vacation just yet. They'll try as hard as they can to ensure that Chicago's victory coronation takes place outside of their home court.

I've seen too many teams give up on their home court to buy that logic.

[hels]

Winners fight. Losers quit.

[kiefynugs]

what are the stats with 0-3 teams winning game 4?

[cleaveland]

Winners fight. Losers quit.

Consciously they'll (probably) be trying their best but subconsciously they know it's over. It's hard to overcome the subconscious.

[ad617]

that sounds ridiculous but i agree

[chantrain]

Pacers are beyond frustrated, I know that for sure. The coach sounds like he wants to cry at every post game press conference.

[8ArIvd5]

indiana can scratch, bite, and kick. If chicago wants to sweep, thinking orl/atl can go deep into their series, to get some rest, there's nothing the pacers can do about it. is it a good idea to 'take it easy' on a team because you're in control? i don't think any team wants to do that and mess with their psyche. chicago brings the brooms tonight.

[Jm5900]

I'd love to take the pacers plus the points because every game has been so close and they have been playin their hearts out but I think they will give up this game. And it all starts with their coach he is young not much experience wont be able to get them going (motivation) I think Bulls -4.5 is the play here.

[demens]

I think it depends on how much Mr.X pays each player to give up or play hard.

[chantrain]

Bulls tend to play badly in early games like this too, though.

but I think they step up, they dont want to drag this out any longer than they have to. I'm sure they're sick to death of the pesky Pacers