New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 15, 2024

The reeling New Orleans Pelicans hope to end a three-game losing streak with a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. New Orleans played well in its last meeting with Indiana on Nov. 25 but lost 114-110. The Pelicans will once again face the Pacers without stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

The Pacers have not performed like the well-oiled machine they were last season. They hold an 11-15 record and have alternated wins and losses in their last four games. Indiana can win consecutive games for the first time since late November if it can defend its home court against the Pelicans.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host the Pelicans-Pacers game. Fans can catch the action by subscribing to NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Pelicans (+210) vs. Pacers (-260)

Odds: Pelicans (+5.5) vs. Pacers (-5.5)

Total (O/U): Pelicans (o228.0 -110) vs. Pacers (u228.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers preview

The New Orleans Pelicans have continued to lose but have become more competitive with the return of key players. Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray have given the team a boost. However, they remain without Ingram and Williamson as they face the Pacers for the third time this season.

Jones, Murphy and Murray have significantly improved the Pelicans’ defense. They must execute well on that end to stifle the Pacers’ pace and fluidity. If their defense holds up, the Pelicans have a strong chance of leaving Indiana with a win.

The Indiana Pacers need a big scoring performance from one of their key players to win the season series against New Orleans. When Tyrese Haliburton excels as both a scorer and playmaker, the Pacers are tough to beat. If the All-Star guard struggles with his shooting on Sunday, someone from the supporting cast will need to step up.

Indiana, ranked 24th in the NBA in defensive rating, must execute effectively on defense. While New Orleans is undermanned, a lackluster effort on defense could allow the Pelicans to punish the Pacers.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers predicted starting lineups

Pelicans

PG: Dejounte Murray | SG: CJ McCollum | SF: Trey Murphy III | PF: Herb Jones | C: Yves Missi

Pacers

PG: Tyrese Haliburton | SG: Andrew Nembhard | SG: Bennedict Mathurin | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers betting tips

CJ McCollum has found his rhythm in the Pelicans’ last five games, averaging 24.0 points per game on 45.7% shooting. Against the Pacers’ defense, he could have another big night after scoring 36 points on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings.

McCollum could surpass his 21.5 (O/U) points prop on Sunday.

Trey Murphy III has been superb for the Pelicans this season, carrying the offense with their top scorers out. McCollum has returned, but the sharpshooting forward remains a key part of the offense.

Murphy averaged 23.0 ppg in his last two games and could exceed his 18.5 (O/U) points prop against the Pacers.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans have shown resilience despite an injury-depleted roster. They won’t back down against the Pacers and could pull off an upset. Even if they don’t end their slump, they are likely to cover the +5.5 spread.