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In a non-conference matchup, the Pacers (-177) are favored by 4 points over the Pelicans (+148) in a game with an over/under of 233. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
This game will be broadcast on Gulf.
Pacers vs. Pelicans Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans
- Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
- Date: Friday, November 1st
- Betting Odds IND -4, IND -177 | NO +148 O/U 233
The Pacers Can Win If…
Indiana improved to 2-3 on the season with a 135-132 win over the Celtics on Wednesday. The Pacers, who were +7 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread at home. The game’s total points of 267.5 exceeded the O/U line of 235.5.
A key 13-0 run by Indiana extended their lead from 80-68 to 93-68. They entered the 4th quarter up 100-86 but had to hold off a late push from Boston, who outscored them 38-24 in the final period.
The Pacers put up 135 points in their win over the Celtics, with Bennedict Mathurin leading the way with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Pascal Siakam added 29 points and 11 boards, hitting 6 threes at a 75% clip.
Indiana connected on 15 threes, shooting 39.5% from deep and 48.1% overall. Mathurin scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, while Siakam added 6 points in overtime.
Despite giving up 132 points, the Pacers managed to hold off the Celtics on Wednesday. Indiana’s defense was solid in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but they allowed 38 points in the 4th. Overall, the Pacers held Boston to 40% shooting from the field.
Indiana gave up 19 threes on 33% shooting and sent the Celtics to the line 31 times, where they hit 25 free throws. The Pacers recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks in the game.
- In their last ten games away from home, the Pacers have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 5-5 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 111 points per game in these contests.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Pacers have gone 5-5 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 7-3.
- Over their last three games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Pelicans Can Win If…
New Orleans fell to 2-3 on the season after a 104-89 road loss to the Warriors on Wednesday. The Pelicans, who were +3.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread, losing by 15. The total points for the game were 193, well under the 218.5 O/U line.
New Orleans went on a 10-0 run early, stretching their lead from 32-23 to 42-23. However, they couldn’t maintain the momentum, as the Warriors outscored them 31-22 in the 3rd quarter. Heading into the 4th down 79-66, the Pelicans were unable to close the gap, losing the final quarter 25-23.
In their win over the Celtics, the Pacers put up 135 points with a 48.1% shooting performance from the field. They connected on 15 threes, shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc. Bennedict Mathurin led the way with 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 29 points and 11 boards, hitting 6 threes at a 75% clip.
Mathurin scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, while Siakam added 6 points in overtime. Obi Toppin contributed 7 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters, finishing with 18 points overall. Tyrese Haliburton also made an impact in the 3rd, scoring 9 of his 17 points, and added 3 more in the extra period.
Despite a strong defensive effort, the Pelicans couldn’t overcome the Warriors, allowing 104 points in the loss. New Orleans gave up 28 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, holding Golden State to 20 points. The 3rd quarter saw the Warriors score 31, but the Pelicans limited them to 25 in the 4th.
New Orleans held Golden State to 13 made threes on 34% shooting from deep. The Warriors also went 9/13 from the free-throw line. The Pelicans grabbed 31 defensive rebounds, allowing 13 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 6 blocks.
- Across their three previous home games, New Orleans has an ATS mark of 0-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 0-3 while averaging 99 points per game.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 4-6. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-5.
- In their last three games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.
The Lean
Our bet is on the Pacers for a win, and we project the score to be 148-129. Additionally, we expect them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to wager on the Pacers with the spread at -4.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 233, and our model projects the Pacers and Pelicans to reach a combined total of 277 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
Pacers Ride High After Thrilling OT Win
The Indiana Pacers shook off a three-game losing streak by delivering their most impressive performance yet, edging out the defending champion Boston Celtics 135-132 in a gripping overtime win on Wednesday. The game marked a turning point for Indiana, which had struggled offensively but managed to put up a season-high point total.
Coach Rick Carlisle highlighted the team’s focus on effort and fundamentals, particularly rebounding, as keys to the turnaround. “There was a different attitude, a different vibe,” he said. Emphasizing the importance of controlling missed shots, Carlisle implemented rebounding and loose-ball drills to address the Pacers’ glaring weaknesses.
Despite blowing a 24-point second-half lead before eking out the win, the Pacers showed resilience. All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton reflected on the deja vu moment, comparing it to their 2024 Eastern Conference finals collapse against Boston. “It’s easy to go into that overtime pretty negative,” Haliburton admitted. “But we’ve been in this exact same position with this exact same team. It’s a big win for us.”
Pascal Siakam led the scoring effort, dropping 29 points, including the game-sealing shots in overtime. The Pacers will be looking to keep their offensive groove going when they face New Orleans.
Pelicans Struggling to Find Rhythm
The New Orleans Pelicans, after a strong 2-0 start to the season, are now reeling from a three-game losing streak. The latest loss came on Wednesday, a 104-89 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, capping a tough 1-3 road trip. The Pelicans’ offense sputtered, recording their lowest point total of the season while shooting just 36.7% from the floor.
Zion Williamson had a rough night, going 5-of-20 from the field and finishing with just 12 points, although he did grab 12 rebounds. Williamson acknowledged his struggles, emphasizing the need to be more patient and find his rhythm. “I’ve just got to make it happen,” he said, shouldering the blame for the team’s offensive woes. In Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors, Williamson had been more effective, scoring 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, but forcing plays on Wednesday proved costly.
Injuries have exacerbated New Orleans’ problems. Key players CJ McCollum (adductor) and Herbert Jones (shoulder) were injured in Tuesday’s game and will miss the clash against the Pacers. Trey Murphy III remains out with a hamstring injury, and Dejounte Murray is expected to miss significant time after surgery on a fractured hand. Coach Willie Green praised his short-handed team for their effort but stressed the need for growth. “We battled our tails off and took a step in the right direction,” Green said. “We’ll get home, build from here and try to get some guys back.”
Key Matchup: Pacers’ Offense vs. Pelicans’ Defense
Indiana’s challenge will be maintaining offensive consistency against a Pelicans squad desperate to improve their defensive solidity and shooting efficiency. The Pacers have demonstrated their ability to score big, but New Orleans’ physical defense, led by Williamson, could provide a formidable test.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, need to find scoring alternatives with so many key players sidelined. Williamson’s patience and shot selection will be crucial, and role players must step up to provide the offensive lift needed to snap the skid.
