The Orlando Magic travel to Indianapolis to face the struggling Indiana Pacers in an Eastern Conference matchup on New Year’s Eve. Orlando, holding the fifth spot in the East, aims to capitalize on Indiana’s league-worst record and nine-game losing streak, while the Pacers desperately seek a spark amid a season derailed by injuries. This game could highlight Orlando’s defensive identity against Indiana’s depleted roster, potentially widening the gap in the standings.
Venue Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana. This 18,165-capacity arena, renovated in 2021, has been the Pacers’ home since 1999 and features a modern design with strong fan support, though crowds have thinned during the team’s rough patch.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT). The afternoon tip-off is set for broadcast on FDSIN (Pacers feed), FDSFL (Magic feed), and NBA League Pass, making it accessible for holiday viewers.
Injury Report
Both teams are battling injuries, but Indiana’s extensive list has contributed to their dismal season, while Orlando’s issues are more manageable.
Orlando Magic:
Desmond Bane: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Back Spasms)
Goga Bitadze: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Knee)
Jonathan Isaac: Questionable (Undisclosed, per recent reports)
Jalen Suggs: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Left Hip Contusion; upgraded recently)
Colin Castleton: Out (G League – On Assignment)
Orlando’s frontcourt depth could be tested if Bitadze and Isaac sit, but core players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are healthy.
Indiana Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Injury/Illness – Torn Achilles; season-impacting)
Obi Toppin: Out (Injury/Illness – Foot Fracture)
Reggie Jackson: Out (Injury/Illness – Concussion)
T.J. McConnell: Probable (Injury/Illness – Left Ankle Sprain)
Additional depth issues: Multiple players sidelined, forcing reliance on 24 different starters this season
The Pacers’ absences of star playmakers and frontcourt pieces severely hamper their offense and defense.
Key Player Matchups
With Indiana shorthanded, Orlando’s young stars could dominate, but the Pacers’ remaining talent might create isolated opportunities.
Paolo Banchero (ORL) vs. Pascal Siakam (IND): Banchero’s scoring versatility (around 22 PPG) and physicality face Siakam’s experience (20 PPG, strong defense). Siakam’s length could challenge Banchero inside, but Orlando’s forward has the edge in athleticism.
Franz Wagner (ORL) vs. Bennedict Mathurin (IND): Wagner’s efficient scoring (21 PPG) meets Mathurin’s explosiveness (18 PPG). If Suggs is out, Wagner may handle more ballhandling, exploiting Indiana’s perimeter weaknesses.
Jalen Suggs (ORL, if available) vs. Andrew Nembhard (IND): Suggs’ defensive intensity (top in steals) versus Nembhard’s steady playmaking. With Haliburton out, Nembhard’s role grows, but Suggs could disrupt.
Bench Battle: Jonathan Isaac/Mo Wagner (ORL) vs. Myles Turner (IND): Orlando’s energy off the pine against Turner’s rim protection (2 BPG). Injuries could shift this to favor Orlando’s depth.
Orlando’s top-10 defense (allowing ~108 PPG) should stifle Indiana’s struggling offense.
Orlando has been competitive in the East, while Indiana owns the NBA’s worst record, a stark fall from their Finals appearance last season.
Recent Team Forms
Orlando has been inconsistent but shows flashes of playoff potential, while Indiana’s slide has them in rebuild mode.
Orlando Magic (Last 10 Games: 5-5)
Averaging 112.4 PPG, allowing 110.8 (+1.6 margin)
Key wins: Strong defensive outings like a recent victory over weaker East teams; efficient shooting at 47% FG.
Losses: Recent defeat at Toronto (Dec 29), exposing rebounding issues; turnovers in close games.
Form: L-W-L-W-L (Alternating results, with Banchero averaging 25+ PPG lately; solid road defense but offensive lulls).
Indiana Pacers (Last 10 Games: 1-9)
Averaging 110.8 PPG, allowing 119.4 (-8.6 margin)
Key wins: Rare upset earlier in December, but sparse.
Losses: Nine straight, including blowouts; allowing 119+ PPG during streak.
Form: L-L-L-L-L (Dismal, with poor efficiency at 43% FG; heavy reliance on Siakam for 20+ PPG amid injuries).
Series History
The Pacers lead the all-time series 73-57 in 130 regular-season games. However, Orlando has dominated recently, winning 3 of the last 4 meetings, including a 129-115 victory on April 11, 2025, and earlier wins in 2024. In the past 10 encounters, Indiana holds a 6-4 edge, but Orlando is 4-1 ATS in the last 5. Games often trend high-scoring, with the over hitting in 6 of the last 8, though Indiana’s home games vs. Orlando average under 220 points.
Betting Trends
Spread: Orlando 9-6 ATS when favored; Pacers 1-4 ATS last 5.
Total Over/Under: Over in 6/8 recent H2H; but under in 7/10 Pacers home games.
Other Trends: ORL 3-1 SU last 4 vs. IND; 12-3 SU when scoring 116+. IND 0-5 SU last 5; 6-9 ATS at home; 0-9 SU during current skid. Over in 4/5 Magic road games lately.
Game Odds
Orlando Magic – 3.5
Indiana Pacers 226.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
