Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions November 25th 2024

Pacers Focus on Defense Ahead of Encounter vs. Skidding Pelicans

The Indiana Pacers snapped their three-game losing streak with a defensive stand against the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, securing a 115-103 victory and handing the Wizards their 11th consecutive loss. Indiana now turns its attention to extending the New Orleans Pelicans’ skid to five games when the teams meet Monday night in Indianapolis.

After conceding 130 or more points in three straight road losses to Toronto, Houston, and Milwaukee, the Pacers tightened their defense at home, holding Washington to just 16 fourth-quarter points.

“We got better defensively,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “We were better at keeping their drivers square in front of us, and we made some good things happen offensively.”

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 22 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 21. Seven Pacers scored in double figures despite the team being shorthanded, missing key contributors Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Ben Sheppard due to injuries.

“Right now, we’re looking for anybody with energy that will run and will give the best possible effort defensively,” Carlisle added.

Pelicans Seek to End Skid

The Pelicans have been struggling, losing four straight games and 10 of their last 11 since defeating Indiana 125-118 on Nov. 1. Injuries continue to be a challenge, but the team is slowly getting healthier.

Brandon Ingram returned from an ankle injury to post 18 points and seven assists in a 112-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday. Jordan Hawkins also returned after missing seven games due to a back injury, though he remains on a minutes restriction.

“I had a minute restriction on me, but I felt like I got up and down a lot,” Hawkins said after logging 20 minutes. “Still trying to get my conditioning right but it felt good.”

Trey Murphy III, managing a hamstring injury, has seen his scoring output increase in every game since his return, culminating in a season-high 24 points against the Warriors.

Pelicans coach Willie Green praised his team’s effort against Golden State, saying they executed the game plan at a high level but lamented the result.

“Unfortunately, in the NBA, there are just no moral victories,” Green said.

Key Players and Injuries

New Orleans is still awaiting the return of CJ McCollum, who has missed 13 games with a strained adductor but hopes to play Monday. However, key players such as Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Jose Alvarado remain sidelined indefinitely.

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The Pacers, despite their injuries, boast a balanced offense with contributions from their bench. In their last matchup against the Pelicans, Ben Sheppard scored 20 points, Bennedict Mathurin added 19, and Siakam chipped in 16. The Pelicans won that Nov. 1 game 125-118 behind Williamson’s 34 points and 10 assists, with Ingram contributing 26 points and seven assists.

Both teams are looking to capitalize on their strengths—Indiana’s rejuvenated defense and New Orleans’ returning firepower—to change their trajectories as they meet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.