Game Preview
The Indiana Pacers (6-10) are looking to snap a three-game skid as they host the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (4-13) on Monday night. While the Pacers have stumbled lately, going just 1-4 in their last five, they've been a far more potent offensive team than the visiting Pelicans.
Over the full season, Indiana is averaging a robust 114.4 points per game while shooting a respectable 48.8 percent from the field. They've been particularly effective from beyond the arc, knocking down threes at a 36.3 percent clip. The Pacers' balanced attack generates 27.6 assists per contest, helping offset a relatively high 14.1 turnovers per game.
Defensively, Indiana has struggled, surrendering 119.1 points on average. They'll need to tighten up against the Pelicans, who despite their losing record have shown the ability to fill it up from deep. New Orleans is hitting 34.2 percent of its threes this season, powered by a handful of sharpshooters.
While the Pelicans have scuffled to a 4-13 start, they've remained competitive thanks to a 43.2 rebounds per game and taking care of the basketball at 14.2 turnovers. However, scoring has been a major issue, as they're only mustering 103.8 points on a woeful 43.6 percent shooting from the floor.
Both teams are looking to reverse recent losing trends, with the Pelicans having dropped four straight and the Pacers just 1-4 in their last five. But Indiana's superior offensive firepower, led by their 48.8 percent shooting, gives them a significant edge at home against the offensively-challenged Pelicans.