The Indiana Pacers found their groove and snapped a three-game losing streak in their last outing. Now, the New Orleans Pelicans will aim to rediscover their offensive touch and end their three-game skid when they host the Pacers on Friday night.
Indiana is coming off their best performance of the young season, outlasting the defending champion and previously unbeaten Boston Celtics 135-132 in overtime on Wednesday. That same night, the Pelicans, who started strong with two wins, suffered their second straight defeat to the Golden State Warriors, 104-89, capping a 1-3 road trip.
The Pacers had to scramble after leading by as many as 24 points in the second half before Boston rallied to force overtime. This lost lead was reminiscent of the 2024 Eastern Conference finals, where the Pacers squandered significant leads in three games during the Celtics’ four-game sweep. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 29 points, including the final five in overtime after Boston briefly took a two-point lead.
During their losing streak, the Pacers struggled offensively, but they found their rhythm against the Celtics, posting a season-high in points.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell short of 100 points for the first time this season, shooting just 36.7 percent from the floor on Wednesday. Zion Williamson grabbed 12 rebounds but made just 5 of 20 shots and finished with 12 points. After scoring 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting in a 124-106 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday, Williamson acknowledged he needs to be more patient after “forcing the issue” on Wednesday.
Injury-wise, Trey Murphy III has yet to play this season due to a strained hamstring, while Dejounte Murray is expected to miss four to six weeks following surgery to repair a fractured left (non-shooting) hand suffered in the season opener. CJ McCollum (adductor) and Herbert Jones (shoulder) were injured on Tuesday and will miss the contest. Daniel Theis, who suffered an ankle injury on Wednesday, is questionable.
Both teams are looking to get back on track in this pivotal matchup.
