Pacers vs Pelicans Prediction 17 January 2026
🔊 Can the hosts surprise their opponents once again? In this NBA regular-season matchup, Indiana face off against New Orleans. Both teams are currently in a challenging situation. However, the Pacers, as history suggests, often find ways to overcome strong adversaries. On their home court, this could turn into another solid performance.
Head-to-Head
📊 Statistical analysis of previous official games between the Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans:
- They have faced off in 38 games;
- Wins (including overtime): 21 for the current home team and 17 for the visitors;
- The home team averages 105.37 points per game, while the visitors average 104.61;
- The average total score per game is 209.97.
The last encounter took place on 21 December 2025 at the New Orleans Pelicans' court and ended with a score of 128-109.
Head-to-head statistics Pacers - Pelicans
Indiana Pacers Team Overview
The hosts have secured victories in 3 of their last 5 games. Notably, they achieved success against Boston (98-96), showcasing a strong defensive performance. While Indiana ranks 10th in pace and concedes a hefty 118.4 points per game this season, they might adopt a pragmatic approach once again against New Orleans, which could yield significant success on their end of the court. Their size and discipline allow them to execute this strategy effectively.
In terms of offense, things are more challenging. The main star in their attack is Pascal Siakam, and as practice shows, the forward is capable of a lot. The issue, however, is that he will now face a sizable Pelicans front line. In such circumstances, focusing on long-range shots becomes crucial. Sometimes, they manage to excel in this area, as evidenced by their performance against Miami (123-99), where they hit 42.5% from beyond the arc.
Match Results: Indiana Pacers
New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
It's not wise to fully rely on the notion that the Pelicans have resolved many of their roster issues. More often than not, this team continues to suffer losses. Their recent victory over Brooklyn (116-113) shouldn't be overly misleading. The game against an opponent of similar status and youth was a hard-fought battle. When facing slightly more experienced teams, challenges arise - as evidenced by their defeats to Denver (122-116) and Orlando (128-118).
Speaking of potential offensive standouts, Williamson and Murphy deserve mention. In their recent game, they were the top performers, combining for 59 points. However, the team as a whole struggles with three-point shooting (34.2%) and lacks a cohesive playmaking strategy, averaging just 24.9 assists (24th in the league). Adding the factor of playing on the road, their prospects aren't particularly promising: they could falter on both ends of the court.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans
Prediction for the 1st quarter
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters - 38;
- First quarter wins at home for the hosts - 11; for the visitors on the road - 8;
- Average total points in the first quarter: 52.79;
- Today's home team averages 25.82, while the visitors average 26.97.
First Quarter Stats: Indiana Pacers (home) vs New Orleans Pelicans (away)
- Tournament matches played: 25 vs 19;
- Number of wins: 11 (44%) vs 6 (31.58%);
- Number of losses: 14 (56%) vs 12 (63.16%);
- Number of draws: 0 (0%) vs 1 (5.26%).
- Average points scored: 28.48 vs 26.11;
- Average points conceded: 28.92 vs 31.
Last 10 Matches (Overall):
- Number of wins: 5 vs 3;
- Number of losses: 5 vs 6;
- Number of draws: 0 vs 1;
- Average first quarter total: 56.3 (scored - 28.2, conceded - 28.1) vs 63.8 (scored - 31.2, conceded - 32.6).
- Indiana Pacers won the 1st quarter in last 6 home games against New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- Number of encounters - 38;
- Home team wins - 21, away team wins - 17.
- Indiana Pacers won with a -1.5 points handicap in last 5 home games against New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 105.37, for the away team - 104.61;
- average total points in H2H matches - 209.97.
Statistics: Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans
- average total in the tournament: 229.78 vs 236.89;
- average total points scored: 111.04 vs 115.51;
- average total points conceded: 118.73 vs 121.38;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 56.18 vs 57.43;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 54.13 vs 57.19;
- Indiana Pacers: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 112.4;
- New Orleans Pelicans: average total points scored away in the tournament - 111.47;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 113.7 (home - 110.17) vs 113.9 (away - 114).
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Bookmakers find it challenging to pinpoint a clear favorite. New Orleans boasts several standout individual performers. However, Indiana, coming off an impressive last season, are gradually returning to solid form. While the hosts may not have a high-powered offense, they often achieve good results through straightforward tactics. This success frequently comes against formidable opponents. The Pelicans are unlikely to post exceptionally high conversion rates, and their defense lacks discipline. Our editorial team suggests betting on Indiana with a -1.5 spread.No comments
Betting Tips: Indiana Pacers - New Orleans Pelicans
in last 6 home games against New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).in 6 of last 7 games against New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).in last 5 away games against Indiana Pacers (NBA).in last 8 games (NBA).in last 6 home games (NBA).
Other predictions
