Pacers Face Pelicans in Crucial Home Finale
The Indiana Pacers prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans this Friday evening at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. This matchup marks Indiana's final home appearance before embarking on a challenging five-game road trip. The Pacers enter this game with a 9-32 record, while the Pelicans stand at 10-33.
Indiana's three-game winning streak came to an abrupt end on Wednesday night. The Toronto Raptors handed them a decisive 115-101 defeat. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans secured a narrow 116-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. That win represents only their second triumph of the calendar year.
Season Series and Broadcast Details
This contest serves as the second and final regular-season meeting between these two franchises. Their first encounter occurred on December 20th, where New Orleans dominated with a 128-109 scoreline. The Pelicans now aim to complete a season sweep.
The game tips off on Friday, January 16th, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Television coverage will be provided by GCSEN and FDSN IN. For streaming viewers, Fubo and Amazon Prime Video will carry the live broadcast online.
Projected Starting Lineups
Indiana Pacers
- Point Guard: Andrew Nembhard
- Shooting Guard: Ben Sheppard
- Small Forward: Aaron Nesmith
- Power Forward: Pascal Siakam
- Center: Jay Huff
New Orleans Pelicans
- Point Guard: Jeremiah Fears
- Shooting Guard: Trey Murphy III
- Small Forward: Saddiq Bey
- Power Forward: Zion Williamson
- Center: Derik Queen
Injury Report for Both Sides
Indiana Pacers Absences
- Bennedict Mathurin: Out with a right thumb sprain.
- Isaiah Jackson: Out due to a concussion.
- Obi Toppin: Out after undergoing surgery.
- Tyrese Haliburton: Out while recovering from surgery.
New Orleans Pelicans Absences
- Herbert Jones: Out with an ankle injury.
- Jose Alvarado: Out with an oblique issue.
- Dejounte Murray: Out with an Achilles injury.
Game Preview and Prediction
Friday night features a cross-conference clash between two teams hungry for victories. The Indiana Pacers currently occupy the bottom spot in the Eastern Conference. Their home record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse sits at 7 wins and 16 losses. They rank fifth in the Central Division.
The New Orleans Pelicans hold fifth place in the Southwest Division. Their performance on the road has been particularly difficult, with only 3 wins in 18 away games this season.
Both squads desperately need positive results to climb their respective conference standings. The Pacers seek to bounce back from their recent loss to Toronto. The Pelicans aim to build momentum following their tight win over Brooklyn. This game promises competitive energy as each team fights for a crucial mid-season victory.
