One by one, members of the Indiana Hoosiers’ men’s basketball team entered their names into the transfer portal Wednesday, as the program shifts in a new direction under head coach Darian DeVries.

DeVries, previously with the West Virginia Mountaineers, did not get a chance to meet with his team immediately when he was hired March 18, though with Indiana’s spring break wrapped up, it appears the process of moving beyond the Mike Woodson era is in full effect.

Seven scholarship players from the 2024-25 Hoosiers roster have entered the portal so far, including three of the team’s top four scorers in Malik Reneau (13.3 points per game), Mackenzie Mgbako (12.2 points) and Myles Rice (10.1 points). That leaves DeVries with just one scholarship player from last season: 6-foot-6 forward Bryson Tucker. Luke Goode could return if his injury waiver from the 2022-23 season is approved; nonetheless, DeVries is essentially starting year one in Bloomington, Indiana, from scratch.

Building from the ground up isn’t anything new to DeVries. Despite bringing back just 5.3% of the minutes played from the 2023-24 Mountaineers team, he brought in a handful of transfers — including a South Bend, Indiana, native in Javon Small — and assembled a team that many felt was deserving of an at-large bid into the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Yet, despite boasting wins over the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Arizona Wildcats from nonconference play, West Virginia was snubbed, and DeVries decided to move on after one season at the helm.

Following that overtime game in the Battle 4 Atlantis opener, the Zags bounced back with an 89-73 win over the Hoosiers on the second day. Oumar Ballo led the way with 25 points against his former team, while Mgbako was the only other Indiana player to score in double figures, finishing with 13 points and four rebounds.

Rice, the former Pac-12 Rookie of the Year with the Washington State Cougars, only had six points and committed five personal fouls in 20 minutes against Gonzaga. The 6-foot-3 guard was capable of filling up the scoring column on any given night with his ability to get downhill and attack the basket. Other nights, however, Rice was much less effective as a scorer. He had 23- and 20-point performances during his first four games, but then followed with 11 points combined over his next three games.

As a freshman with the Cougars, Rice started all 35 games and averaged 14.8 points, 3.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals while guiding WSU to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008. He transferred after his head coach, Kyle Smith, left to coach the Stanford Cardinal and remained in a power conference structure.

Following another coaching change, could Rice make his return to the Inland Northwest — this time to play for the team in Spokane?

The Zags are likely in the market for another guard this offseason, knowing that Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle exhausted their final years of eligibility. Those three combined to knock down 173 of the team’s 263 made 3-pointers, or about 65.8%, along with the many contributions they made this season on the playmaking and defensive fronts. Rice hasn’t been known for his outside touch in college, though he did improve from 27.5% as a freshman to 32.5% his sophomore season.

Braeden Smith is set to take the reins at the point guard spot, while Emmanuel Innocenti could return for his junior year to bolster the backcourt as well. With Dusty Stromer in the portal, the Bulldogs don’t have much in the way of guard depth for next season outside of Smith and Innocenti. Mark Few will run 3-guard lineups when he and the coaching staff see fit, and with Innocenti’s versatility at 6-foot-5 and Smith’s ability to set the table at the point, Rice would in theory have a spot in an off-ball role that allows him to share touches with Smith.

Gonzaga’s offenses have historically operated at a high level when it’s being run by experienced guards who can both handle the rock and create for themselves. Rice’s one season with Indiana was somewhat of a letdown compared to his freshman year with WSU, but with the right coaching staff, he could get back on course.

MORE GONZAGA NEWS & ANALYSIS

The Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers game is a crucial late-season matchup on Wednesday. Both teams are looking to solidify their playoff positions, with the Lakers trying to snap a four-game road losing streak and the Pacers riding a five-game winning streak. With star power on both sides and high-scoring potential, this game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of the week.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers odds (via FanDuel) (March 26, 2025)

The Lakers and Pacers have taken different paths leading into the Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers matchup. Los Angeles has struggled on the road, dropping their last four away games, while Indiana has been dominant, winning five straight contests. The Pacers will also be looking to avoid a season sweep, as the Lakers have already secured wins in their previous meetings.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic will lead the charge for the Lakers, who have the offensive weapons to go toe-to-toe with Indiana’s high-paced attack. Meanwhile, the Pacers will rely on Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam to fuel their offense. Given the defensive struggles on both ends, expect a high-scoring battle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers might cover the spread or win

(March 26, 2025)

Austin Reaves vs the Pacers (Image via Getty)

Despite their recent road woes, the Lakers have a solid case to win or at least cover the spread:
– Offensive balance: Los Angeles averages 113.1 points per game, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis providing consistent scoring threats.
– Free-throw efficiency: The Lakers rank 3rd in free throws made and 4th in attempts, which could be a game-changer in a close contest.
– Improved three-point shooting: The team has been knocking down 35.9% of their threes, giving them a reliable perimeter attack.
– Rebounding advantage: The Lakers average 42.6 rebounds per game, slightly better than Indiana’s 41.2, giving them more second-chance opportunities.
Additionally, Los Angeles is coming off a three-game home winning streak, which could help boost their confidence heading into this crucial matchup. If they can limit Indiana’s transition scoring and force them into half-court sets, the Lakers have a solid chance to pull off an upset.

Reasons why the Indiana Pacers might cover the spread or win

(March 26, 2025)

The Pacers have momentum on their side and several key advantages that could help them secure another victory:
– Elite offense: Indiana ranks among the top-scoring teams in the NBA, averaging 116.6 points per game.
– Depth scoring: Players like Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin provide additional scoring threats, ensuring the offense doesn’t rely solely on its stars.
– Home-court advantage: The Pacers have been strong at home, making it difficult for opponents to steal wins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Lakers’ defensive struggles on the road, coupled with Indiana’s ability to push the pace, could be the deciding factor. If the Pacers control the tempo and take advantage of Los Angeles’ inconsistencies, they should be able to not only cover the spread but also come away with the win.

Final Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers prediction and pick

(March 26, 2025)

Given the Pacers’ recent hot streak and the Lakers’ ongoing struggles away from home, Indiana has the edge in this matchup. With a dynamic offense and the motivation to avoid a season sweep, they are well-positioned to take care of business. The Lakers could make it competitive, but their defensive lapses may ultimately cost them.
Final prediction: Indiana Pacers -1.5 (-112), Over 233.5 (-110).

How to watch the Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers game tonight (March 26, 2025)

– Time: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
– TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA League Pass
Let us know who you are going support tonight in the Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers game. Also, don’t forget to follow TOI NBA for the latest updates on everything happening in the world of basketball.
(H/t Fanduel, ClutchPoints)