The Indiana Pacers, mired in a dismal season with one of the league’s worst records, head to Atlanta to face a Hawks team that’s clinging to play-in contention in the Eastern Conference. With key injuries decimating the Pacers’ roster—most notably Tyrese Haliburton’s season-ending Achilles tear—the visitors will rely on grit and secondary scoring to compete. The Hawks, meanwhile, have shown flashes of their high-octane offense but struggle with consistency, particularly on defense. This matchup could turn into a shootout if Atlanta’s perimeter game clicks, but Indiana’s defensive lapses might keep it close. Expect a fast-paced affair highlighting young talent and veteran savvy.
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM local time; confirm for any adjustments)
Broadcast: Available on NBA League Pass, with local feeds on Bally Sports Southeast (Hawks) and Bally Sports Indiana (Pacers); radio on 93.5/107.5 The Fan (Pacers) and WZGC 92.9 The Game (Hawks)
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter with subpar recent records, but the Pacers snapped a skid with an upset win, while the Hawks alternate wins and losses.
Indiana Pacers (Last 5 Games: 2-3):
Jan 23 at Oklahoma City Thunder: W 117-114 – Upset victory on the road, led by balanced scoring despite injuries
Jan 19 vs. Boston Celtics: L 104-119 – Overpowered at home, poor shooting (42% FG)
Jan 17 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: L (details sparse, but part of a home skid).
Jan 16 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: W 127-119 – High-scoring win to break losing streak
Jan 2 vs. San Antonio Spurs: L 113-123 – Defensive breakdowns in loss
Averaging 106.0 PPG scored and 118.2 allowed; 1-4 ATS in last five, with unders hitting in three
Atlanta Hawks (Last 5 Games: 2-3):
Jan 23 vs. Phoenix Suns: W 110-103 – Solid home win, strong defense holding Suns under 105
Jan 19 vs. Milwaukee Bucks: L 110-112 – Close loss despite late rally
Jan 21 vs. Memphis Grizzlies: W 124-122 – Jalen Johnson’s double-double sealed thriller
Jan 7 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: L (part of inconsistent stretch).
Jan ? (Earlier loss, contributing to 2-3 mark).
Averaging 110.2 PPG scored and 117.2 allowed; 1-4 in last five overall, but 2-1 at home recently
Injury Report and Suspensions
Indiana Pacers: Point guard Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season with a right Achilles tear
Shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin is a game-time decision with a right thumb sprain
Shooting guard Quenton Jackson is GTD with an ankle injury
Forward Obi Toppin is out until mid-February with a right foot stress fracture
No suspensions reported. Expected starters: Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker.
Atlanta Hawks: Center N’Faly Dante is out with a right knee torn ACL, requiring season-ending surgery
Guard RayJ Dennis is doubtful (undisclosed)
Small forward Zaccharie Risacher is out with a left knee bone contusion, re-evaluated in one week
Center Kristaps Porzingis is a GTD with left Achilles tendinitis
No suspensions. Expected starters: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, De’Andre Hunter.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries shift dynamics, but these battles could decide the game.
Trae Young (Hawks G) vs. Andrew Nembhard (Pacers G): Young’s scoring (25+ PPG) and playmaking test Nembhard’s defense without Haliburton; expect high pick-and-roll volume.
Jalen Johnson (Hawks F) vs. Pascal Siakam (Pacers F): Johnson’s athleticism (15+ PPG, 10+ RPG) vs. Siakam’s versatility—key for rebounding and transition.
De’Andre Hunter (Hawks F) vs. Aaron Nesmith (Pacers G): Hunter’s perimeter defense challenges Nesmith’s shooting; watch for three-point contests.
Onyeka Okongwu (Hawks C) vs. Myles Turner (Pacers C): Okongwu’s energy inside vs. Turner’s shot-blocking (top-10 in blocks)—rim protection duel.
Series History
The Hawks hold a slight all-time edge, but recent games favor Atlanta. Overall Head-to-Head: Hawks lead 112-100 in 212 regular-season games. Recent Games: Hawks have won 5 of the last 10, including a 128-108 blowout on Oct 31, 2025. Pacers’ last win: 132-127 on Feb 1, 2025. Trends: Games average 233.5 total points in last five; Hawks 5-0 ATS in recent home matchups vs. Pacers
Betting Trends
Pacers: 1-4 ATS in last five as road underdogs of 5.0-10.5; over in 4 of last 5 as favorites (but rare this season). Road games: 10-14 ATS, unders in 60% (24 of 40 total games). Hawks: 1-4 straight up and ATS in last five; 15-6 ATS when scoring over Pacers’ defensive average (118.2 PPG allowed). Home: 13-8 ATS, overs in 55% of games. Series Trends: Hawks 5-5 ATS in last 10 vs. Pacers; over 232.5 in 7 of 10 recent meetings
Game Odds
Indiana Pacers 234.5
Atlanta Hawks – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 25, 2026
