| MATCHUP | Indiana Pacers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | -3.5 -112 | +3.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | -162 | +136 |
| Total | Over 239.5 (-115) | Under 239.5 (-105) |
| Where | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | |
| When | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBA League Pass | |
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Pacers won 19 games last season and enter year 10 under coach Rick Carlisle. The Pacers have missed the playoffs in four of the last six years.
The Pacers will instantly be better with the return of Tyrese Haliburton, as he was one of the better players in the league before his injury. He unlocks Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith by taking pressure off them and allowing them to be role players. The addition of Kelly Oubre Jr. is underrated and makes this a deeper squad. The Pacers have much of the core that made the 2025 Finals and could be even better with Ivica Zubac at center. The Pacers will be a playoff team this season and have deep playoff run potential with the pace and ability to score.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The Pelicans have missed the playoffs in eight of their last 11 seasons and begin the Jamahl Mosley era. The Pelicans have won a combined 47 games in the last two seasons.
The Pelicans added Bennedict Mathurin, which is a nice sneaky move, but success this season will come down to what it’s always come down to. Can Zion Williamson stay healthy? He’s been in the league for seven years and has played a combined 276 games. It’s time for him to put it together, or this franchise needs to make a decision. A full season of Dejounte Murray would be encouraging as well, while Herb Jones and Trey Murphy are strong, underrated players. The Pelicans have playoff potential, but they’ve had that for the last few seasons, and it doesn’t pan out. The Pelicans are a bit of a sleeping giant if things break right. Unfortunately, I’ll kind of believe it when I see it.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pacers have lost each of their last 14 night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Pelicans have won each of their last five home games against the Pacers.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 night games at Smoothie King Center.
- The home team has covered the spread in eight of the Pelicans’ last nine games.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last eight night games against Central Division opponents.
- The favorites have won each of the Pacers’ last six games.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight night games against Central Division opponents.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in five of their last six road games.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Pacers’ last eight road games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of the Pelicans’ last five home openers against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The Pelicans don’t have any players listed on their injury report.
The Pacers are without T.J. McConnell due to a hamstring strain. Johnny Foegele is out with an ACL injury. Kobe Brown is probable as a G League two-way.
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
The Pacers should be one of the most improved teams in the league with their star returning. However, I’m not ready to lay points with them on the road just because. I need to see the progress. The Pelicans don’t have a single player on their injury report, and they must get off to a fast start. At some point the Pels need to put it together. There’s talent on this Pelicans roster. Figure it out. It’s just the first game, but things can get away quickly. The Pelicans need to snag some wins early to kind of set the tone and turn things around. Give me the free buckets with New Orleans.