Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans December 15th 2024

At 5:00 ET, the Pacers (-267) will host the Pelicans (+221) in a non-conference matchup. Indiana (11-15) is favored by 6.5 points over New Orleans (5-21), who has lost three straight.

This game will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. FDSI will have the TV coverage for this non-conference matchup.

Pelicans vs. Pacers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: New Orleans Pelicans at Indiana Pacers
• Where: Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Date: Sunday, December 15th
• Betting Odds IND -6.5, NO +221 | IND -267 O/U 228

The Pelicans Can Win If…

The Pelicans dropped to 5-21 on the season after a narrow 111-109 loss to the Kings on Thursday. New Orleans, who entered the game as +7 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread at home. The total points for the game were 220, falling short of the 232.5 O/U line.

A 14-0 run by the Kings early in the game put New Orleans in a tough spot. The Pelicans fought back, winning the 2nd quarter 29-25 and holding the Kings to 20 points in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 36 points against the Kings, hitting 6 threes at a 54.5% rate. He scored 17 points in the 4th quarter, finishing with a 58.3% shooting percentage overall.

Trey Murphy added 21 points, with 16 coming in the 1st quarter, and Dejounte Murray contributed 20 points and 9 assists. The Pelicans made 14 threes, shooting 37.8% from deep and 47% overall.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 4th quarter, where they held the Kings to just 20 points, the Pelicans couldn’t overcome a rough 3rd quarter, giving up 38 points in a 111-109 loss. Overall, they allowed Sacramento to shoot 40% from the field.

New Orleans did well defending the three, as the Kings hit just 10 threes on 30% shooting. However, the Pelicans sent Sacramento to the line 29 times, where they converted 27 free throws. Defensively, the Pelicans recorded 6 steals and 4 blocks.

• New Orleans has a 0-5 record in their last five road games. In this stretch, they averaged 106 points per game while allowing 119. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• As the betting underdog, the Pelicans have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. New Orleans posted a straight up mark of 1-9 in these matchups.
• Over their last three games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Pacers Can Win If…

With a 121-107 win over the 76ers on Friday, the Pacers improved to 11-15 for the season. Indiana, who entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread with a 14-point victory. The total points for the game landed exactly on the O/U line of 228.

Indiana’s defense set the tone early, going on a 14-0 run to start the game. They led 31-22 after the 1st quarter and maintained their lead by outscoring the 76ers 31-24 in the 4th quarter.

Tyrese Haliburton knocked down 7 threes at a 46.7% clip, finishing with 32 points and 11 assists in the Pacers’ win over the 76ers. Indiana hit 14 threes as a team, shooting 36.8% from deep and 51.6% overall from the field.

Pascal Siakam added 23 points on 81.8% shooting, while Obi Toppin contributed 20 points, including 7 in the 4th quarter. Haliburton scored 12 points in the 1st quarter and 10 more in the 3rd.

Defensively, the Pacers were solid in their win over the 76ers, giving up 107 points. They had strong 1st and 4th quarters, allowing just 22 and 24 points, respectively, while the 76ers scored 33 in the 3rd. Indiana held Philadelphia to 43% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pacers limited the 76ers to 10 made threes on 40% shooting. Indiana sent Philadelphia to the line 32 times, where they made 23 free throws. The Pacers also recorded 9 steals and 4 blocks.

• Across the Pacers last five home games, the team averaged 115 points per game while allowing 117. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-3, while going 2-3 straight-up.
• The last ten games that Indiana was favored, they have an ATS mark of 2-7-1 while going 5-5 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 0-4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Pacers is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 116-102. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Pacers at -6.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 228, and our model projects the Pelicans and Pacers to reach a combined total of 218 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

Injury-Plagued Teams Meet as Pacers Host Pelicans

The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans, both struggling with significant injuries, square off Sunday in Indianapolis. With the Pelicans aiming to snap a tough losing streak and the Pacers searching for consistency, this game promises a battle of resilience and adaptability.

Pelicans: Fighting Through Adversity

The Pelicans (5-15) are in the midst of a challenging stretch, having lost 12 of their last 13 games. Injuries to key players like Zion Williamson (hamstring), Brandon Ingram (ankle), and Jose Alvarado have left New Orleans struggling to maintain competitiveness.

Dejounte Murray, recovering from a fractured hand, has faced difficulties regaining his rhythm. In his eight games since returning, Murray is averaging 16.3 points but shooting a career-low 34.7 percent from the field and just 25.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Head coach Willie Green remains optimistic about Murray’s progress despite the challenges.

“He’s still knocking off some rust, still trying to find his rhythm,” Green said. “But at the same time, he’s accountable for getting us in our sets and defending tough matchups night in and night out.”

CJ McCollum has been a consistent presence, leading the team with 21.5 points per game, while Trey Murphy III adds 18.2 points. However, the Pelicans’ lack of depth has been exposed, especially on the road, where they haven’t won since Oct. 25.

Pacers: Seeking Stability Amid Injuries

The Pacers (9-10) have dealt with their own injury woes, losing big men Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman for the season due to Achilles injuries. Additionally, Ben Sheppard (oblique) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) are sidelined, limiting Indiana’s options in the rotation.

Indiana has shown glimpses of its potential, winning two of its last three games. The Pacers delivered an impressive 121-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, thanks to a balanced offensive effort that saw them sink 14 3-pointers.

Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s ability to adapt.

“We’ve got to be aggressive,” Carlisle said. “I thought our balance was good (against Philadelphia). When the 3s are there, we take them, but we can’t forget about attacking the paint.”

Pascal Siakam leads the Pacers with 19.8 points per game, while Tyrese Haliburton (18.0) and Bennedict Mathurin (17.6) provide additional firepower. Indiana will look to build on its recent momentum and further avenge a Nov. 1 loss to the Pelicans.

Key Matchups: McCollum vs. Haliburton

The backcourt duel between CJ McCollum and Tyrese Haliburton will be a pivotal factor in the game. Both guards are capable of orchestrating their offenses and providing crucial scoring.

Additionally, the Pacers’ ability to stretch the floor with 3-point shooting could test New Orleans’ depleted defense, while the Pelicans will rely on McCollum and Murphy to generate offense and keep the game competitive.

Check out the latest John Wooden Award Odds & Predictions for detailed analysis and updates.

Game Outlook

For the Pelicans, ending their road losing streak and clinching a season series win over the Pacers would mark a small but meaningful victory in a tough season. Meanwhile, the Pacers aim to maintain momentum and further solidify their playoff aspirations.

Final Score Prediction: Pacers 116, Pelicans 106

With their depth and home-court advantage, Indiana has the edge against a shorthanded New Orleans squad. However, the Pelicans’ fight and resilience could keep this matchup closer than expected.