The Indiana Pacers are set to conclude a four-game homestand with a nationally televised game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers, with a record of 33-26, are aiming to recover from a recent loss and secure a win in front of a national audience. The game was moved to a prime-time slot on ESPN, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET, replacing the originally scheduled Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves matchup.
This game marks the first of a two-game series between the Pacers and the Pelicans, with the second game scheduled to take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday. Both teams are currently vying for playoff spots, with the Pacers sitting in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference and the Pelicans in the sixth spot in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, having faced the New York Knicks the previous night. Despite the challenging schedule, the Pelicans have shown resilience this season, boasting a 4-5 record in games played without rest.
The Pacers are known for their high-scoring offense, averaging 124 points per game, the highest in the league. However, they will face a tough challenge against the Pelicans’ defense, which ranks sixth in the league in defensive rating and leads the league in steals per game.
Indiana has won four of its last six games, with center Myles Turner and guard Tyrese Haliburton leading the team in scoring. However, they may be without forward Aaron Nesmith, who is recovering from an ankle sprain.
The Pelicans are led by forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who are averaging over 20 points per game each. Sharpshooter C.J. McCollum and center Jonas Valanciunas have also been key contributors to the team’s success.
In their last meeting in December 2022, the Pelicans defeated the Pacers 113–93, despite missing several key players. The Pelicans dominated the glass and outscored the Pacers in second-chance points.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN, with Chris Denari, Quinn Buckner, and Jeremiah Johnson providing commentary. Mark Boyle, Eddie Gill, and Pat Boylan will provide radio coverage on 93.5/107.5 The Fan.
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