New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers 22 October 2026 Prediction

The Pelicans and Pacers both had disappointing seasons last year. Injuries to key players disrupted Indiana, while New Orleans struggled even when healthy and has made the playoffs only twice since 2020.

Injuries Remain a Concern for New Orleans

On paper, the Pelicans have enough talent to contend for a play-in spot. Injuries have repeatedly held them back, though. Zion Williamson missed a quarter of last season, and Dejounte Murray played just 14 games. New Orleans has since added Bennedict Mathurin.

The Pelicans finished 11th in the Western Conference in 2025/26, one spot short of the play-in. They also hired Jamahl Mosley, formerly of Orlando, as their new manager. Mosley has changed the team’s approach to game analysis, but the players may need time to adjust to his system.

New Orleans Pelicans Predicted Lineup: Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi

Out: None listed

Manager: Jamahl Mosley

Haliburton Returns for Indiana

Indiana lost a seven-game NBA Finals series to Oklahoma City in 2024/25. Tyrese Haliburton played a key role in that run and has recovered from a serious Achilles injury. He scored 17 and 24 points in his last two preseason games. The Pacers went 1-3 in preseason play, but each loss was by no more than two points.

Indiana has also strengthened its roster. Ivica Zubac, acquired from the Clippers, averaged 11.6 points in his first games with the Pacers. Kelly Oubre Jr. adds another option on the perimeter and can contribute on the boards.

Indiana Pacers Predicted Lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Kelly Oubre Jr., Pascal Siakam, Ivica Zubac

Out: Johnny Furphy (injury)

Manager: Rick Carlisle

Home Teams Won Both Recent Meetings

The teams split their two meetings last season. New Orleans won 128-109 at home, and Indiana won the rematch 127-119 at home.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers Prediction: Indiana Pacers Handicap -3.5

Main Pick: New Orleans is adjusting to Mosley’s system after a season in which it struggled even against comparable opponents. Indiana has retained its core, added Zubac and Oubre Jr., and has Haliburton back. Its close preseason losses also suggest it is ready to compete. The pick is Indiana Pacers -3.5 at 1.90.

Totals Pick: Haliburton controls Indiana’s tempo. With him, the Pacers ranked among the top seven teams in offensive rating and averaged 117.4 points per game. Each of their four preseason games produced at least 226 combined points. New Orleans enters the season healthy, making over 240.5 at 1.90 worth considering.