New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 01/03/2024, 06:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 01/03/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Indiana Pacers will head to the Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 35-25 and sixth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 34-26 and seventh in the Eastern Conference. 

The Indiana Pacers have been in solid form, winning seven of their last ten games. They will be eager to continue this momentum after a 123-114 victory over the Pelicans on Wednesday. Pascal Siakam led the team with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Tyrese Haliburton added 17 points and 13 assists. Indiana currently ranks as the highest-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 123.9 points per game, while the New Orleans Pelicans rank eighth in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 111.9 points. At home, Indiana scores an impressive 126.3 points per game, while on the road, they score 121.2 points per game. However, despite their offensive prowess, the Pacers' defense has been lacking, as they rank 28th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 122 points per game. Doug McDermott and Aaron Nesmith are both listed as doubtful for the upcoming game.

The New Orleans Pelicans have experienced a slight dip in form, losing three of their last four games, including a defeat against the Pacers on Wednesday. Brandon Ingram led the team with 30 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum each contributed 23 points. In terms of scoring, the Pelicans rank 14th in the NBA, averaging 116 points per game. However, defensively, the Pelicans rank eighth in the league, allowing just 111.9 points per game. Interestingly, they perform slightly better at home, where they concede 111.3 points per game, compared to road games, where they allow opponents to average 112.4 points per game. Unfortunately, Dyson Daniels is ruled out for at least another couple of weeks due to injury.