The New Orleans Pelicans vs. Indiana Pacers is one of the six matchups being held on Wednesday. The Pelicans are coming off a 115-92 win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday and will be playing consecutively for the second night. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III are expected to lead the Pelicans’ to win back-to-back contests. The Pacers, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing 130-122 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Tyrese Haliburton didn’t play that night, which forced the Pacers’ coach to turn to Pascal Siakam and Benedict Mathurin to lead the team. New Orleans struggled in the first half against the injury-plagued Knicks, who were without four of their regular starters. There could be a slow start again as they are going to play their second game in a row.
Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the New York Knicks despite a slow start, missing Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby. Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein were also not available. If the Pelicans continue to play like that against the Pacers, they will be in for a frustrating night. The back-to-back schedule could eventually become a factor down the stretch, but the Pelicans can’t afford to make a slow and lethargic start.
Indiana Pacers’ coach Carlisle said that his team deserved a break after the loss to the Toronto Raptors. Most of the lineup, especially Haliburton, could not get themselves going. If the Pelicans are lackadaisical, Indiana will get a tough fight in the upcoming contest.
Starting lineup
The Pelicans were without CJ McCollum in the last two games due to his foot injury. He remains questionable for the upcoming match. If he is cleared to play, he will get his usual place. If not, Trey Murphy III will get another appearance to start the game. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas and Herb Jones will be the other four in the starting lineup of the Pelicans. The Pacers will most likely start with Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, Benedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Tyrese Haliburton.
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Prediction
The upcoming matchup between New Orleans and Indiana will be a classic battle between defense and offense. Tyrese Haliburton and his teammates will try to wear their opponents down the floor, especially since the Pelicans are playing back-to-back games. The Pelicans will play an intentional half-court set and rely on its massive frontline and athletic wings to dominate Indiana. Indiana can beat New Orleans on their home court, but allow them to cover the +6.0 spread.
