Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Preview | Nov. 1, 2024

The Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans will be one of the marquee matchups on Friday’s nine-game NBA slate. The two teams have identical records of 2-3 as they continue to find the groove in the early stages of the NBA season.

The Pacers will enter the game with a morale-boosting overtime win over the defending champions Boston Celtics, which snapped their three-game losing skid and ended the Celtics’ unbeaten run to start the season. Indiana opened its season with a win against the Detroit Pistons before losing three straight against the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans are riding on a three-game slide after losing against the Portland Trail Blazers and back-to-back defeats versus the Golden State Warriors. New Orleans opened its season with two wins against the Chicago Bulls and the Trail Blazers, only to squander it in the ensuing matchups.

Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans game details and odds

The Indiana Pacers versus New Orleans Pelicans matchup is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. EST at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

The game can be watched on Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network in New Orleans and FanDuel Sports Network - Indiana in Indianapolis. It will also be available on demand via NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Here are the odds for the game:

Moneyline: Pacers (-165) Pelicans (+154)

Spread: Pacers -3.5 (-110) Pelicans +4 (-108)

Total (O/U): Pacers -105 (o233) Pelicans -110 (u233)

Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

The Pacers will be leaning on their fast-paced offense led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, who leads the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game. Benedict Mathurin will reinforce the team as the second-leading scorer with 15.8 ppg. Defensive anchor Myles Turner is also expected to man the paint for the Pacers.

On the other hand, the Pelicans will lean on Brandon Ingram, who averages 22.4 ppg, to top the team in scoring. CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson will also look to snap the Pelicans’ struggles as they gun for an offensive breakthrough. Sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins has also been impressive for the Pelicans after leading the team with 23 points last game.

Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

The Indiana Pacers are expected to carry over their momentum from their previous win against the Celtics and take down the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. The victory versus the Celtics gave the Pacers their rhythm to start the season, which could allow them to dominate the Pelicans, who have been struggling to find their identity lately after their previous three losses.

Expect the Pacers to finally string together wins following the matchup.