Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans — Recap

📰Game Recap

The Indiana Pacers overcame the New Orleans Pelicans in a closely contested game, securing a 123-120 victory. Indiana opened the game with an assertive offensive display, outscoring New Orleans 38-31 in the first quarter, fueled by Pascal Siakam's early contributions.

The momentum sharply shifted in the second quarter as the Pelicans responded emphatically, holding the Pacers to just 18 points while pouring in 35 of their own, led by Dejounte Murray's scoring and playmaking. New Orleans continued to maintain a competitive edge through much of the third period, but Indiana chipped away at the deficit, taking the quarter 30-26 to set up a tight finish.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Pacers delivered a decisive fourth-quarter surge, outscoring the Pelicans 37-28 to clinch the win. Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 30 points and 8 rebounds, supported by Tyrese Haliburton's 23 points and 12 assists, and Obi Toppin's 20 points, including four three-pointers. Despite 23 points and 7 assists from Murray and 22 points from Zion Williamson, the Pelicans could not hold on. This outcome diverged from the SportsFBI model, which had favored New Orleans at 54%.