Pelicans vs Pacers prediction, odds, preview

The New Orleans Pelicans will look to find some consistency on their home court Friday night in the second leg of a home-and-home against the Indiana Pacers. New Orleans (35-25) Have lost three of their past four games, including a 123-114 decision to the Pacers from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

In that game the Pacers (34-26) jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first period and held strong for the majority of the game. Indiana had six players in double figures with recent trade acquisition Pascal Siakam leading the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds. All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton (17 points, 13 assists) and center Myles Turner (14 points, 10 rebounds) also had stand out performances.

New Orleans had strong games from their talented trio of Brandon Ingram (30 points, six rebounds), CJ McCollum (23 points, six rebounds) and Zion Williamson (23 points, four assists). However, center Jonas Valanciunas only played seven minutes, and he was replaced in the second half starting lineup by Larry Nance Jr., who had six points and six boards in 23 minutes.

It didn’t appear that Valanciunas was injured, but rather Pelicans coach Willie Green wanted to go with a smaller lineup. It worked to slow down Indiana, who shot 46 percent from the floor and 30 percent from 3-pointers in the second half, but the Pacers controlled the boards and held a 50-40 rebounding advantage for the game.

Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans

Time/TV: 7 p.m. CT (Bally Sports New Orleans, NBA League Pass)

Total: 238.5

Moneyline: Pacers +170, Pelicans -205

Analysis: New Orleans has lost two straight at home and it would like to get a favorable result on their court before heading out on another three-game road trip. Expect the Pelicans to stick with a smaller lineup in hopes of keeping Indiana from lighting up the scoreboard. It should be enough to get a close win.

Prediction: Pelicans 117, Pacers 114 (Under 238.5)

Best bet: Pelicans moneyline (-205 at DraftKings)