New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
Indiana defeated New Orleans 127–119 on January 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a game that finished below the Vegas total of 241.5 points. J. Huff led the Pacers with 29 points while P. Siakam added 27, as Indiana shot 51.5 percent from the field and made 15 three-pointers to control the pace. The Pelicans stayed competitive through the first half, outscoring Indiana 66–73 through two quarters, but the Pacers' second-quarter surge of 42 points proved decisive. Zion Williamson paced New Orleans with 27 points and T. Murphy III contributed 22, though the Pelicans' 22 assists and 50 percent shooting could not overcome Indiana's superior ball movement (37 assists) and defensive discipline. Indiana's 126.6 offensive rating and 125.0 defensive rating reflected a balanced performance, while New Orleans struggled in the third quarter with just 27 points. The Pacers' seven turnovers and seven-point margin of victory underscored their control throughout. Indiana's second-half lockdown defense suggests the team is finding rhythm heading into the stretch run.
