Pelicans vs. Pacers NBA expert prediction and odds for Wednesday, Feb. 28 (Back New Orleans as an underdog)

In the first of two matchups in three days between the two playoff hopefuls, the New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to build off Tuesday’s 115-92 road victory over the New York Knicks. New Orleans, No. 5 in the Western Conference, has won six of its last seven road games. 

The Indiana Pacers have a one-day rest advantage as they try to climb in the Eastern Conference standings (currently No. 8). Indiana is just a half-game back of the No. 5 seed Heat in a crowded conference and begins a stretch Wednesday with six of its next seven games against teams with a winning record.

Here’s the betting preview for Wednesday’s cross-conference, nationally-televised clash with a best bet. 

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Pelicans vs. Pacers odds, spread and total

Pelicans vs. Pacers how to watch

• Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28 
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• How to watch (TV): ESPN
• Pelicans record: 35-24
• Pacers record: 33-26

Pelicans vs. Pacers injury report

New Orleans Pelicans

• CJ McCollum (ankle): questionable 

Indiana Pacers

• Doug McDermott (calf): out
• Aaron Nesmith (ankle): questionable 

Pelicans vs. Pacers key players to watch

Pelicans

Trey Murphy III: The former first-round pick is averaging 12.8 points per game, but had shot under 40% from the field in five consecutive games before a big night at Madison Square Garden Tuesday. Murphy poured in 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting, knocking down six 3-pointers, to go with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the Pelicans’ 23-point victory. 

Pacers

Bennedict Mathurin: Speaking of a bounce-back shooting night, Mathurin finished with 34 points in Monday’s loss to Toronto on 11-of-15 shooting with five triples. It came after he had shot less than 36% from the field in six straight games. He added five assists and was one rebound shy of back-to-back doubles-doubles following a 14-point, 11-board performance in Sunday’s win over Dallas. 

Pelicans vs. Pacers prediction and pick

We’ll get a first look at how New Orleans’ top-tier defense matches up with an Indiana offense that is No. 2 in net rating, No. 1 in scoring (123.7 points per game) and No. 1 in effective field goal percentage. 

New Orleans is No. 6 in defensive rating and No. 10 in defensive rebounding. The Pelicans are eighth in the scoring giving up 111.7 points per game, but more importantly, their defense has traveled. New Orleans ranks No. 5 in scoring defense on the road, giving up just 112 points per game. 

New Orleans’ offense should get quality looks against an Indiana defense that gives up points in droves. The Pacers rank 28th in the NBA in scoring defense and are allowing opponents to shoot 50.5% from the field, last in the league. Indiana is also last in the NBA in permitting points in the paint, while New Orleans ranks 14th in scoring near the rim. 

Indiana has won three of its last four despite giving up 120.2 points per game because of its offense. That offense meets a step up in class Wednesday and New Orleans is able to hang inside the number, improving on its 10-4-1 ATS record as a road underdog. 

Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.