The New Orleans Pelicans (35-24) take a trip to visit the Indiana Pacers (33-26). This is the first of two matchups this week for these two teams. While these two teams are in separate conferences, both are jockeying for playoff positions. The Pelicans are holding onto the fifth seed in the West with three teams breathing down their neck. Indiana is currently the eighth seed and is desperately trying to get out of the play-in tournament.
In this very even matchup, is there value in betting this game?
New Orleans Pelicans Vs. Indiana Pacers: Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +5.5 -110 |
O 239.0 -112 |
+185 |
| Indiana Pacers | -5.5 -110 |
U 239.0 -108 |
-225 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: New Orleans Pelicans @ Indiana Pacers
Date And Time: February 28, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. EST
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
Key Stats
New Orleans Pelicans (Averages)
Points: 116.1
Points Allowed: 111.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.8/88.0 for 48.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.2/32.4 for 37.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.1/23.7 for 76.4%
Rebounds: 11.0 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.4 Combined
Assists: 27.0
Steals: 8.4
Blocks: 4.9
Turnovers: 13.3
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.5/87.6 for 46.2%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.4/38.8 for 34.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.3/22.1 for 78.2%
Rebounds Against: 10.2 Offensive, 32.1 Defensive, 42.3 Combined
The New Orleans Pelicans have been taking advantage of a weaker schedule as of late. They are 7-3 in their last ten games, and a big part of that run was Zion Williamson‘s play. He has averaged 20.7 points and 5.1 rebounds during that span. The Pelicans are 18-12 on the road and come into Wednesday’s game with a three-game road winning streak.
New Orleans will be without Dyson Daniels and C.J. McCollum, as both are still nursing injuries.
Indiana Pacers (Averages)
Points: 123.9
Points Allowed: 122.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 46.9/92.4 for 50.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.6/35.8 for 38.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.4/21.1 for 77.9%
Rebounds: 9.9 Offensive, 30.9 Defensive, 40.8 Combined
Assists: 31.0
Steals: 7.9
Blocks: 5.7
Turnovers: 13.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 45.3/89.9 for 50.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 10.9/29.1 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 20.6/26.2 for 78.8%
Rebounds Against: 10.8 Offensive, 32.1 Defensive, 42.9 Combined
The Indiana Pacers have made their mark in the paint this year. They lead the league with 57.0 points per game in the paint. Pascal Siakam has been a great addition to this team. Over the past ten games, he has averaged 21.1 points. The team is trying to find a way to go on a winning streak, but inconsistency plagues it. They look to get a good win against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. They are 6-4 in their last ten. While this isn’t bad, it means they aren’t separating themselves in the East.
Doug McDermott is still out with a calf injury, and Aaron Nesmith is listed as day-to-day.
Game Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans are playing better than the Indiana Pacers right now. While the Pacers are at home, where they are 19-12, the Pelicans travel well. New Orleans dominates the glass and could give the Pacers problems in the paint. What gives me pause in picking the Pelicans as a huge favorite is they are on the second night of a back-to-back. I expect a high-scoring affair between them, but the game is close.
Final Pick
New Orleans Pelicans +5.5 and Over 239.0
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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