Pelicans Defeat Pacers 128-109 at Home
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans 128, Indiana Pacers 109, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans beat Indiana Pacers 128-109 at Smoothie King Center on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
The New Orleans Pelicans secured a convincing 128-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center, extending their lead in the season series to 2-0. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams have struggled throughout the season, each holding a record of 7-22 for the Pelicans and 6-22 for the Pacers prior to this game. The Pelicans, however, have shown signs of improvement recently, winning three consecutive games leading into this contest.
In their last ten games, the Pelicans posted a record of 3-7, but their recent form has been more promising, with an average of 122.6 points scored and 125.0 points allowed. Their last five games reflect a record of 3-2, with an average of 124.6 points scored and 121.2 points allowed. The Pelicans' recent victories include wins against the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing a resurgence in offensive performance.
Conversely, the Pacers have been on a downward trajectory, losing their last three games and holding a record of 4-6 over their last ten. They averaged 109.9 points scored and 110.1 points allowed during that stretch. Their latest games resulted in losses to the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers, highlighting their struggles to maintain competitiveness.
The Pelicans have performed moderately better at home, with a home record of 2-4 in their last six games, while the Pacers have struggled on the road, recording only one win in their last three away games. Historically, the Pelicans have had the upper hand in their recent meetings, leading the series 2-1 in the current season, with their last encounter resulting in a 125-118 win for the Pelicans.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans had two players listed as day-to-day: Micah Peavy, who was resting, and Bryce McGowens, who was dealing with a toe issue. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton was also day-to-day due to an Achilles injury, while Johnny Furphy was ruled out with a knee injury. The absence of these key players could have impacted the performance of both teams.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that the Pelicans were favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 235.5. The odds for the over were -112.0, while the under was -108.0. The moneyline for the Pelicans was -130.0, and for the Pacers, it was 110.0, reflecting the close nature of the matchup despite the Pelicans' recent form.
The game conditions were typical for a December evening in New Orleans, with a comfortable atmosphere for basketball. Fans witnessed an exciting display of scoring, particularly from the Pelicans, who maintained their offensive momentum throughout the game.
As the game progressed, the Pelicans showcased their offensive prowess, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they extended their lead significantly. Key scoring plays included a driving layup from Yves Missi and a dunk from James Wiseman, which highlighted the Pelicans' ability to capitalize on their opportunities. The Pacers struggled to keep pace, ultimately falling short as the Pelicans closed out the game decisively.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the Pelicans' potential resurgence but also underscored the challenges facing the Pacers as they continue to seek consistency in their performance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -2.5 | 235.5 o -112 / u -108 | Indiana Pacers +110 · New Orleans Pelicans -130 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Tyrese HaliburtonDay-To-DayAchillesIndiana Pacers
- Johnny FurphyOutKneeIndiana Pacers
Leaders
- PointsZion Williamson29New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJordan Poole6New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsDerik Queen10New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsPascal Siakam22Indiana Pacers
- AssistsT.J. McConnell8Indiana Pacers
- ReboundsJay Huff6Indiana Pacers
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 3-7Streak W3122.6 scored · 125 allowed per game2-4 at home
- W133-128vs Houston RocketsDec 19
- W114-104at Chicago BullsDec 15
- W143-120vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 12
- L132-135vs San Antonio SpursDec 9
- L101-119at Brooklyn NetsDec 6
- L116-125vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 5
- L142-149vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 3
- L121-133at Los Angeles LakersDec 1
- L96-104at Golden State WarriorsNov 30
- L128-133vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 27
Indiana Pacers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L3109.9 scored · 110.1 allowed per game1-2 away
- L113-114vs New York KnicksDec 19
- L89-108vs Washington WizardsDec 14
- L105-115at Philadelphia 76ersDec 13
- W116-105vs Sacramento KingsDec 9
- W120-105at Chicago BullsDec 6
- L120-135vs Denver NuggetsDec 4
- L119-135vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 2
- W103-101vs Chicago BullsNov 30
- W119-86vs Washington WizardsNov 29
- L95-97at Toronto RaptorsNov 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Indiana Pacers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-94 | 45-85 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 8-42 | 9-27 |
| Three-point % | 19 | 33 |
| Free throws | 21-30 | 29-34 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 43 |
| Assists | 28 | 25 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 60 | 70 |
| Fouls | 26 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter77-94Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-95Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-98Micah Peavy makes 23-foot running jump shot (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-98Johnny Furphy makes layup (T.J. McConnell assists)
- 4th Quarter81-98T.J. McConnell makes 13-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-98T.J. McConnell makes 13-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-99Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter83-100Jordan Poole makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter85-100T.J. McConnell makes 16-foot jumper (Pascal Siakam assists)
- 4th Quarter85-101Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-102Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-102Pascal Siakam makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-102James Wiseman makes 3-foot dunk (T.J. McConnell assists)
- 4th Quarter89-102Pascal Siakam makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-102T.J. McConnell makes 7-foot running pullup jump shot (Pascal Siakam assists)
- 4th Quarter93-102T.J. McConnell makes 9-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter93-104Saddiq Bey makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter93-106Saddiq Bey makes 1-foot running dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter93-107Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter95-107Ethan Thompson makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Bennedict Mathurin assists)
- 4th Quarter95-110Jose Alvarado makes 27-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter95-111Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-112Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-114Trey Murphy III makes 2-foot two point shot (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter95-116Saddiq Bey makes 2-foot layup (Jordan Poole assists)
- 4th Quarter95-117Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter97-117Quenton Jackson makes 3-foot two point shot (Ethan Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter97-119Derik Queen makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-119Jarace Walker makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-119Jarace Walker makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-122Derik Queen makes 22-foot three point jumper (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter99-122Johnny Furphy makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot (Garrison Mathews assists)
- 4th Quarter100-122Johnny Furphy makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter102-122Johnny Furphy makes 1-foot dunk (Jarace Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter102-124Yves Missi makes driving layup (Karlo Matkovic assists)
- 4th Quarter102-126Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup (Karlo Matkovic assists)
- 4th Quarter104-126Johnny Furphy makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter104-128Yves Missi makes 1-foot reverse layup
- 4th Quarter106-128James Wiseman makes 5-foot dunk (Quenton Jackson assists)
- 4th Quarter107-128Garrison Mathews makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Indiana Pacers.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16434
- OfficialsJohn Goble, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Matt Kallio
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- Pacers Edge Pelicans in Close ContestOct 21, 2026
- Pacers Defeat Pelicans 127-119 in Competitive MatchupJan 16, 2026