clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Pelicans favored by oddsmakers against Pacers

New Orleans possessing a top 10 offense and defense is flying under too many radars

New Orleans Pelicans v Indiana Pacers Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

Despite similar win-loss records, the Pelicans are 5.0-point favorites in tonight’s matchup against the Pacers.

That comes as a bit of a surprise at first glance considering this game is taking place in Indianapolis and New Orleans has compiled a 3-4 record since winning their first two games of the season.

Perhaps oddsmakers are looking beyond the standings, though, noticing that the Pelicans have a top 10 offense and defense as of this morning.

Not missing key components for this matchup could also be a determining factor. When whole, New Orleans has one of the best starting lineups around, with plenty of weapons off the bench.

Meanwhile, the Pacers will be without Chris Duarte (grade 2 left ankle sprain) and Daniel Theis (sore right knee).

One other interesting note, this game will feature two NBA Academy alumni facing off in the NBA for the first time. Dyson Daniels attended the NBA Global Academy in Australia and Bennedict Mathurin attended the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico.

Launched in 2016, NBA Academy is a year-round elite basketball development program that provides top high school-age athletes from outside the U.S. with a holistic approach to player development and a predictable pathway to maximize their potential. The NBA Academy program includes four academies across Australia (NBA Global Academy), India (NBA Academy India), Mexico (NBA Academy Latin America) and Senegal (NBA Academy Africa) for top athletes from their respective countries and continents.

For more on tonight’s matchup, please give our preview a read.

Let’s Geaux Pels!

Who: New Orleans Pelicans (5-4) at Indiana Pacers (4-5)

When: November 7, 2022, 6:45 p.m. CT

Where to watch: Bally Sports New Orleans, League Pass

Where to listen: WRNO 99.5

For more Pelicans talk, subscribe to The Bird Calls podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @OlehKosel.