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Pelicans vs. Pacers prediction: Why Indiana is favored to win Friday's NBA matchup [1/16/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers predictions for NBA Friday.
The Indiana Pacers will take on the New Orleans Pelicans in NBA action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, commencing at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury updates, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Pacers as the most likely winner of the Pelicans vs. Pacers game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Pacers lineup will feature stars like Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, while the Pelicans will rely on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Jeremiah Fears.
This article offers further insights into Friday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Pelicans vs. Pacers prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using trusted machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the result of Friday's NBA game between the Pelicans and Pacers 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model currently gives the Pacers a 66% chance of defeating the Pelicans. Our predicted final score has the Pacers winning 121-116.
According to our model, the Pelicans (+3.5) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 241.5 points has a 56% chance of staying under.
Pelicans vs. Pacers odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Pelicans | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +3.5 (-102) | -3.5 (-118) |
| Moneyline | +144 | -170 |
| Total | o241.5 (-110) | u241.5 (-106) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Pelicans vs. Pacers picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +3.5 | -102 |
| Moneyline | Pacers | -170 |
| Total | Under 241.5 | -106 |
According to our best NBA bets for Friday, the top play to make on this game is Under 241.5 total points.
Pelicans vs. Pacers player props
NBA prop bets are an exciting way to wager on Friday's Pelicans vs. Pacers matchup without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Zion Williamson is expected to lead the Pelicans with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Pascal Siakam is projected to have 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the Pacers.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Pelicans prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Pelicans are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 29 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 50 |
| Trey Murphy | 25 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 44 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 17 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 32 |
| Saddiq Bey | 16 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 29 |
| Derik Queen | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 35 |
Pacers prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Pacers:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | 23 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 43 |
| Aaron Nesmith | 17 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 33 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 16 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 35 |
| T.J. McConnell | 11 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 27 |
| Jay Huff | 10 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 25 |
Pelicans vs. Pacers game-day updates and essential details
Friday's matchup between the Pacers and Pelicans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Indiana Pacers
- Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Conclusion
We predict the Pacers, with a 66% win probability, will likely beat the Pelicans on Friday, with Zion Williamson projected for a game-high 50 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Pelicans vs. Pacers insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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