Pacers And Pelicans Battle In Defensive Showdown At Gainbridge Fieldhouse

The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans squared off Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a battle between two teams looking to shake off tough seasons and build momentum in the NBA’s second half. While neither squad has found much consistency this year, both entered the contest with a recent spark—and plenty to prove.

The Pelicans, sitting at 10-33 and 15th in the Western Conference, arrived in Indianapolis after snapping a nine-game skid with a hard-fought 116-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. It was only their second win in the last four outings, but it hinted at a possible turnaround. Meanwhile, the Pacers, 9-32 and last in the East, had won three of their previous four games. Despite a double-digit loss to the Toronto Raptors earlier in the week, Indiana’s recent play had fans hoping for a brighter finish to the season.

Friday’s matchup was the second and final meeting between these two inter-conference rivals this season. The Pelicans had dominated the previous encounter, rolling to a 19-point win in New Orleans back on December 20. Would the Pacers get their revenge on their home floor, or would the Pelicans sweep the season series?

Tipoff came at 7 p.m. ET, with Indiana entering as a 3.5 to 4-point favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under was set at a lofty 240.5 to 241.5 points, reflecting both teams’ recent offensive surges and the NBA’s general scoring boom. Still, with both teams missing key contributors, the outcome was anything but certain.

Injuries played a significant role in shaping Friday’s contest. The Pelicans were without Jose Alvarado (oblique), Herbert Jones (ankle), and Dejounte Murray (Achilles), thinning their backcourt and defensive options. The Pacers faced their own adversity, missing Bennedict Mathurin (thumb), Isaiah Jackson (concussion), Obi Toppin (foot), and their dynamic floor general Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles). Both benches would be tested, and the stars would need to shine even brighter.

For New Orleans, the spotlight was firmly on Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Williamson, the former No. 1 pick, has remained a force of nature when healthy, bulldozing opponents in the paint. Murphy, meanwhile, has been on a tear since the calendar flipped to 2026, averaging a sizzling 31.7 points per game—including a career-high 42-point eruption against the Lakers. With the Pelicans owning the NBA’s eighth-best offense over their last four games, the expectation was that the duo would shoulder the scoring load once again.

Indiana, by contrast, has hung its hat on defense during its recent hot streak. The Pacers entered Friday with the league’s third-best defensive rating over their last four games, thanks in large part to the efforts of Pascal Siakam and the imposing Jay Huff. Huff’s 2.1 blocks per game rank third in the NBA, and his rim protection has been a bright spot for a team otherwise struggling to find its identity. Siakam, acquired to boost both ends of the floor, has delivered with energy and leadership. During their recent run, Indiana held both the Celtics and Heat under 100 points—a rare feat in today’s NBA.

But make no mistake, offense has been a challenge for both squads. The Pacers rank dead last in offensive rating and field-goal percentage, often laboring to create quality looks. Siakam and Andrew Nembhard have done their best to keep the offense afloat, but as one analyst quipped, “they’re dragging Indiana’s offense like a piano without wheels.” The Pelicans, for their part, have struggled mightily on the road, entering the game with a 3-15 away record.

As the first half unfolded, the game played out as a gritty, defensive struggle rather than the anticipated shootout. Indiana’s Johnny Furphy attacked the rim with aggression, driving into the heart of the Pelicans’ defense. Jay Huff and Tony Bradley patrolled the paint, contesting shots and making life difficult for New Orleans’ big men, including Karlo Matkovic and Derik Queen. Trey Murphy III tried to ignite the Pelicans’ offense, but Indiana’s defensive rotations were sharp, and Murphy found himself smothered by Aaron Nesmith and the Pacers’ wings.

On the other end, Pascal Siakam was relentless, working the ball into the defense and taking on tough assignments. T.J. McConnell provided a spark off the bench, turning Pelicans turnovers into transition opportunities. At one point, McConnell high-fived rookie guard Trey Alexander after a key basket, energizing the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd. Indiana coach Rick Carlisle, ever the tactician, watched intently from the sidelines, making quick adjustments as the Pelicans tried to find their rhythm.

The Pelicans, missing several key players, leaned on their bench for support. Jeremiah Fears and Saddiq Bey battled for rebounds and looked to push the pace, but Indiana’s depth—despite its own injuries—proved formidable. Quenton Jackson and Alexander contributed timely plays, while Huff continued to alter shots at the rim. The defensive tone was set early, and both teams struggled to string together consistent scoring runs.

By halftime, the contest had the feel of a playoff game—physical, tense, and unpredictable. The combined score hovered well below the projected total, validating the SportsLine model’s prediction that the under would hit. According to their simulations, the game was expected to finish around 239 total points, and both teams seemed determined to keep things tight.

As the second half began, the intensity only ramped up. Siakam, ever the competitor, blew kisses to the sky after a tough finish, while Jay Huff continued to swat away would-be scorers. The Pelicans responded with grit, as Murphy and Williamson tried to force the issue, but Indiana’s defense was up to the challenge. Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic fought for every inch in the paint, but the Pacers’ bigs—Huff and Bradley—stood their ground.

With the game still in the balance entering the final stretch, neither team could afford to let up. Fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse were treated to a showcase of hustle plays, contested rebounds, and hard-nosed defense. The Pelicans looked to sweep the season series, while the Pacers sought redemption for their December defeat. Every possession mattered, and the energy in the building was palpable.

As the clock wound down, both coaches—Willie Green for New Orleans and Rick Carlisle for Indiana—relied on their young cores to execute under pressure. The outcome remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: these teams, though near the bottom of their respective conferences, were playing with pride and purpose.

With the action ongoing and the score still up in the air, fans will have to wait for the final buzzer to see which team emerges with a much-needed win. For now, the Pacers and Pelicans are putting on a show that belies their records, reminding everyone that in the NBA, anything can happen on any given night.