The Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans is set for an intriguing NBA showdown this Saturday, December 20, 2025. The host New Orleans Pelicans will face off against the visiting Indiana Pacers in a matchup featuring two teams with identical struggles but recent fortunes heading in opposite directions.
Teams on Diverging Paths Ahead of Clash
The New Orleans Pelicans, with a record of 6 wins and 22 losses, enter this contest riding a wave of momentum from a three-game winning streak. Their opponents, the Indiana Pacers, hold a nearly mirror record of 6 wins and 21 losses but are coming off a heartbreaking one-point loss to the New York Knicks. This game pits two of the four teams in the league with only six victories each, sitting just above the worst-placed Washington Wizards (4-21).
A significant challenge for the Pacers is their dismal performance away from home. This season, Indiana has managed just a single victory in 12 road games, making them clear underdogs in New Orleans. Furthermore, the team's head coach, Rick Carlisle, was denied entry into the elite 1,000-win club last Sunday after a loss to the Wizards.
Game Details, Broadcast Info, and Expected Lineups
The tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 20, at the Smoothie King Centre. Fans in the region can catch the live action on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. For those following via radio, the call will be on WWL 870 AM, while a live stream will be available on the Pelicans+ platform.
The expected starting lineups, barring any last-minute changes, are as follows. For the New Orleans Pelicans: Herb Jones at Point Guard, Jeremiah Fears at Shooting Guard, Saddiq Bey at Small Forward, Trey Murphy III at Power Forward, and Deriq Queen at Center. The Indiana Pacers are projected to start Quenton Jackson (PG), Andrew Nembhard (SG), Pascal Siakam (SF), Bennedict Mathurin (PF), and Jay Huff (C).
Injury Reports and Game Prediction
Both teams are dealing with significant injury woes that will impact their rotations. The Pelicans' report lists Dejounte Murray as Out with a right Achilles rupture. Two-way players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are also out due to G League assignments.
The Pacers' injury list is considerably longer and more impactful. Key players ruled out include star guard Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon tear), Aaron Nesmith (left knee MCL sprain), Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture), and Ben Sheppard (left calf strain). Tony Bradley is questionable with a right thumb fracture, while Kam Jones and Taelon Peter are doubtful due to G League assignments.
Despite the Pacers' road struggles, sportsbooks see this as a close contest. The New Orleans Pelicans are narrow 3-point favorites. The over/under point total for the game is set at 235.5. This number is notable as it is 10.3 points higher than the combined average of 225.2 points per game scored and allowed by these two teams this season. The Pelicans have exceeded this total in 15 games this season, while the Pacers have done so in 9 out of their 27 games.
With the Pelicans seeking to extend their winning streak and the Pacers desperate for a rare road win, this matchup promises high stakes and an exciting brand of basketball for fans eagerly awaiting the action.
