Friday night’s matchup at the Smoothie King Center features the Indiana Pacers, a team known for their offensive prowess, against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pacers, with an impressive 3-2 ATS record and a 2-3 record overall, are a force to be reckoned with. They rank fifth in efficiency, averaging 115.4 points per game with a 48.2% shooting rate. Their offensive rebounding and limited turnovers, led by Pascal Siakam’s remarkable 20.6 PPG, make them a formidable opponent. However, their defense has been a weak spot, allowing 120.2 points per game.
The Pelicans, in contrast, have struggled to score, averaging only 105.2 points per game, and have a 2-3 record with a 1-4 ATS. New Orleans has been inconsistent as a team, especially defensively, allowing 113.4 points per game. Despite their home field advantage, where they have won six consecutive games, the Pelicans have been susceptible due to their lack of depth and recent defensive mistakes. Their roster is already thin due to key injuries, and the absence of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and CJ McCollum has further exacerbated their situation. Even though Brandon Ingram leads the team with 22.4 points per game, the Pelicans’ recent defensive lapses make them a risky bet.
Considering the Indiana Pacers’ offensive efficiency and the New Orleans Pelicans’ defensive vulnerabilities, betting on the Pacers to win Friday night’s matchup is a reasonable choice.