As the NBA calendar turned to the final day of 2025, fans were treated to a rare afternoon contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Indiana Pacers hosted the Orlando Magic. With tip-off at 3:00 p.m. ET, this Eastern Conference clash carried plenty of intrigue despite the teams' contrasting fortunes. The Pacers, mired in a nine-game losing streak and sitting at the bottom of the conference with a 6-27 record, were desperate for a turnaround. Meanwhile, the Magic arrived with an 18-15 record, still searching for consistency on the road and eager to bounce back after a narrow one-point loss to the Toronto Raptors just two days prior.
The betting world had its eyes on this matchup as well, with sportsbooks setting the Magic as 3.5-point favorites and the total points line hovering around 225.5. Orlando's moneyline sat at -170, while Indiana's underdog status was reflected at +140. For those watching at home, FDSIN and FDSFL carried the broadcast, and streaming was available on Fubo, making it easy for fans to catch every moment of this high-stakes showdown just hours before New Year's Eve celebrations kicked off.
But the real drama lay beneath the surface of the records and odds. Both squads were dealing with significant injury concerns that threatened to reshape the flow of the game. The Magic were without Franz Wagner (ankle) and Moritz Wagner (knee), and faced more uncertainty with Desmond Bane (back), Jonathan Isaac (knee), and Jalen Suggs (hip) all listed as questionable. Bane, in particular, was a game-time decision after battling back spasms in the previous contest. On the Pacers' side, the absence of star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season due to an Achilles injury loomed large, with Obi Toppin (foot) and Isaiah Jackson (concussion) also sidelined. T.J. McConnell was probable with a calf issue, while Ben Sheppard remained questionable.
For the Magic, the spotlight shone brightly on 21-year-old guard Anthony Black, who has been on a tear during his recent run in the starting lineup. Black had started nine straight games leading up to this one, finding his rhythm and embracing his expanded role. Over his last seven games, Black had scored at least 19 points in each, including a team-high 27 points on 9-for-19 shooting in the narrow defeat to Toronto. His confidence was evident not just in his scoring but in his willingness to fire from deep—he had made at least two three-pointers in five consecutive games and attempted at least seven threes in each of his last four. As Doug Kezirian of the New York Post noted, "Black has also been cashing the Over in his 3-pointers prop, making at least two in five straight games. More importantly, the attempts have increased noticeably, which speaks to his aforementioned comfort level."
Black's all-around contributions were just as impressive. He had tallied at least 31 combined points, rebounds, and assists (PRA) in four straight games and five of his last six, making him a focal point of the Magic's offense, especially with so many key players in doubt. Even if Suggs or Bane returned to the lineup, Black's recent surge suggested he would continue to shoulder a heavy load, particularly if either teammate was limited or managed carefully due to injury.
On the other side, the Pacers' season had been tough sledding, but there were still bright spots. Isaiah Joe Huff, the 27-year-old center, had emerged as a defensive force, leading the NBA in blocked shots with more than two per game. Since being inserted into the starting lineup 15 games ago, Huff had averaged 9.6 points and 1.6 made three-pointers per game—impressive numbers for a seven-footer. He had hit at least one three-pointer in five straight games before this matchup and seemed to thrive in front of the home crowd, averaging 9.2 points in his 17 home appearances. Huff's ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim provided Indiana with a rare dual-threat presence, even as victories proved elusive.
Another player drawing attention for Indiana was Aaron Nesmith, who had been shouldering more of the scoring load amid the team's injury woes. Nesmith had averaged 14.8 points over 13 games and had made multiple three-pointers in 10 of those, including three against the Miami Heat and four against the Houston Rockets in recent outings. His outside shooting gave the Pacers a much-needed boost in spacing and scoring, particularly with Haliburton and Toppin unavailable.
The Magic, meanwhile, faced questions about their rebounding, especially with Wendell Carter Jr. underperforming on the glass. Carter had fallen under his rebound prop line in five straight games and seven of his last eight, a trend that could continue if Orlando opted to limit his minutes or give backup Goga Bitadze more run—especially in a potential blowout scenario or as a subtle nod to Bitadze's return to his former team.
Statistically, both teams entered the contest with clear strengths and weaknesses. Orlando was averaging 116.8 points per game—just 2.6 fewer than the 119.4 points the Pacers surrendered nightly. Indiana, on the other hand, managed 110.1 points per game, five fewer than the Magic allowed (115.1). The defensive struggles on both sides hinted at the possibility of a high-scoring affair, which was reflected in the bookmakers' total. Recent trends supported this outlook: the Pacers had allowed at least 126 points in each of their last three games, and Orlando had given up at least 106 in ten straight, including 120 or more in five of those.
As for the broader context, this was the first of three meetings between these teams in a short span, with a rematch scheduled for Sunday and a final encounter later in the season. Both franchises were at pivotal junctures—the Magic seeking to solidify their playoff credentials despite injuries, and the Pacers searching for any spark to end their losing skid and restore some pride in front of their home fans.
With so many variables at play, from injuries to hot hands to betting intrigue, this New Year's Eve matchup promised plenty of fireworks—both on the court and at the sportsbooks. Whether Anthony Black could continue his breakout run, whether Huff and Nesmith could keep the Pacers competitive, or whether the Magic would finally find some road consistency, fans and bettors alike had ample reason to tune in and keep an eye on every possession.
As the afternoon unfolded in Indianapolis, both teams looked to close out 2025 on a high note and set the tone for the battles to come in the new year. With the action still ongoing, the outcome remained very much in doubt—but the storylines and stakes were as compelling as ever.
