Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
March 23, 2016
Date & Time: Thursday, March 24, 6:00 PM
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
Head to head record
New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers 86-91 (2015/2016 NBA)
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans 105-110 (2015/2016 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers 93-106 (2014/2015 NBA)
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans 96-84 (2014/2015 NBA)
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans 99-82 (2013/2014 NBA)
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction
After recording a routine win over rock-bottom Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers will be aiming to extend their winning run at home ground when they take on New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday evening. Pelicans recorded only one win in previous seven away games and it remains to be seen if they are capable of spoiling Indiana’s party at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Pacers aim to cement their place in top 8
As expected, Indiana Pacers recorded a 91-75 win over struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, with the team moving one step closer to booking their place in the Eastern Conference play-offs. Paul George was not at the top of his game against Philadelphia, with the team’s key player scoring no more than 15 points (4/16 FG) in the 91-75 triumph over 76ers. George is averaging 23.5 points per NBA game, but, no doubt, he will be the man to watch in the home team in Thursday’s clash against New Orleans Pelicans. The upcoming game is of big importance for Pacers as they sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, meaning that coach Frank Vogel is unlikely to mix the squad this time out. It has to be noted that Indiana are eyeing their 22nd home win of the season.
The likes of Young and Robinson did not play against Philadelphia (coach decision), but they could return against New Orleans Pelicans. Coach Frank Vogel has no fresh injury worries ahead of the match.
Difficulties on the travels
Despite playing without several starters against Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans did well to beat Doc Rivers’ team 109-105 in front home fans. However, Miami Heat proved to be a big catch for Pelicans on Tuesday (99-113) and this time out the team’s key players were sorely missed. Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Norris Cole remain in the recovery room and I do not believe that New Orleans are capable of upsetting Indiana at Bankers Life Fieldhouse without the trio in the team. Pelicans struggle on the travels and seeing that they recorded only one win in last seven away matches, I am not tempted to put my money on the underdogs this time out. In Anthony Davis’ absence, all eyes will be on Jrue Holiday, who will take more shots than usual. You should bear in mind that Holiday scored 46 points in previous two games.
Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Norris Cole are all out of contention with injury, but coach Alvin Gentry has no other injury concerns ahead of the trip to Indianapolis.
Interesting Facts
- Indiana recorded nine wins in last ten meetings with New Orleans
- Pacers are eyeing their 22th home win of the season
- New Orleans conceded 100+ points in each of their last ten away games
- Injured Pelicans ace Anthony Davis is averaging 24.3 points
- Pacers are averaging 101.8 points this season
Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans betting pick
New Orleans Pelicans head into the match with a severely-weakened squad and given that Indiana Pacers are eyeing a place in the play-offs, anything but a routine home win will be a major surprise in this one. Pelicans suit Pacers and, taking everything into account, the visitors are likely to return home empty-handed.
Pick: Indiana -12.5
Odds: -110
