New Orleans Pelicans will try to take advantage of Indiana Pacers‘ shaky form and post their second win in a row. Last night the Pelicans beat very good Suns, while on the other side, the Pacers experienced a blowout loss in Milwaukee against the Bucks. Indiana’s solid start and a good record are slowly fading away, which is why they need to react and start winning. Meanwhile, New Orleans is outside the playoff zone in the West, which is below their expectations.

Preview

New Orleans Pelicans (8-12, TBA) are coming off a win against the Phoenix Suns, and quite a routine one, 123-101. The hosts managed to roll over the Suns in the last two periods once they outscored them 75-55, showing all of their qualities.

The Pels outrebounded Phoenix, 52-43, and also prevented them from scoring from deep often enough, limiting them to just 8 threes in 35 attempts. On the other side, Stan Van Gundy’s side shot 51.1% from the field, adding 14 long-distance hits.

Zion Williamson was unstoppable, with 28 points, seven boards, and 6 dimes, shooting fantastic 12-of-14 from the field. Brandon Ingram added 23 points, and Lonzo Ball 18 and six rebounds, but just one assist.

After losing to Kings and Rockets at home, this came as a refreshment for the Pels, who had a stretch of five matches played at home and will play on the road more frequently in the next few days.

Indiana Pacers (12-10, TBA) felt what it’s like to be bullied by the back-to-back NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak recorded a triple-double against the Pacers in Bucks 113-110 win. This was the third loss of Nate Bjorkgren’s players in the recent four events.

They are still getting used to playing without Victor Oladipo, and his replacement, Caris LeVert, who is recovering since his kidney surgery. In this one, the home team will probably appear without TJ Warren, who is still out due to a foot injury, and Myles Turner, who will be a game-time decision.

Domantas Sabonis dropped 33 points with 12 boards and six assists vs. Bucks, showing that he is among the best big guys in the league. During this season, the Lithuanian All-Star averaged 21.6 points, 12 boards, and 5.7 assists per match, proving his worth on numerous occasions.

Head to Head Matches

The Pacers and the Pelicans met on January 4, in New Orleans, and the guests from Indianapolis won that match after OT, 118-116. Malcolm Brogdon scored a game-winner with 1.7 left to take down the hosts. Victor Oladipo was still playing for the Pacers at that time and was the best scorer of their side with 25 buckets. Ingram dropped 31 for the Pels.

Prediction

Pacers are mediocre at home with seven wins and six losses, while on the other side, the Pelicans are pretty bad on the road with three triumphs and seven defeats. Only because of that are we giving a slight edge to the Pacers. They are back home now and will do everything in their power to not just improve the score, but also to snap the negative skid they are currently experiencing.