The Indiana Pacers (59%) are favored as Tyrese Haliburton returns from an Achilles tear for tonight's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Indiana's ball movement and three-point shooting should give the Pacers an edge, while Andrew Nembhard's playmaking is the focus of my top Pacers vs. Pelicans prediction for the player prop market.
Let's dive into my NBA picks for Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Pacers vs Pelicans prediction: Indiana Pacers moneyline
I like the Indiana Pacers to 62%.
Indiana's season win total is 16 games higher than that of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Even on the road and missing a couple of regulars, the Pacers should be able to handle a struggling Pelicans team.
Indiana put together a strong preseason, leading the league in assists per game while shooting threes at the fourth-most efficient rate.
The Pacers' speed, ball movement, and three-point shooting look poised to cause opponents plenty of problems, just as they did down the stretch in 2025 and throughout the playoffs.
I don't think the Pelicans have the shooting to keep up, nor do I trust their playmaking.
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Pacers vs Pelicans combo
I'm combining the Pacers moneyline with Andrew Nembhard to record at least six assists and Ivica Zubac to score at least 15 points.
Nembhard was an assist machine in games with high totals last season, averaging 9.8 assists while recording 6+ in 14 of his last 16 games with a pregame total of 233.5 or higher.
While Tyrese Haliburton will handle plenty of the playmaking responsibilities, there should still be plenty of opportunities for Nembhard in this high-octane matchup, especially with T.J. McConnell and Aaron Nesmith sidelined.
Zubac played in only three games with a total of 230 or higher last season but scored 15+ points in two of them. He should get plenty of looks around the rim against last season's 25th-ranked defense in points allowed in the paint.
Pacers vs Pelicans combo
- Indiana Pacers moneyline
- Andrew Nembhard 6+ assists
- Ivica Zubac 15+ points
Pacers vs Pelicans player props
TOP PICK
Pacers player prop: Andrew Nembhard 6+ assists
The Pacers need Nembhard to take on a significant role as a ball-handler and one of the engines of their offense.
It's Haliburton's first regular-season appearance since tearing his Achilles. While he's been cleared for a full workload, Rick Carlisle may not want to put all the playmaking responsibilities on his star guard's shoulders as he works his way back into form.
McConnell and Nesmith are also sidelined with injuries, putting even more responsibility on the available guards.
In games where Nembhard played 25+ minutes without McConnell in the lineup last season, he averaged 9.8 assists and 15.0 potential assists. Nembhard recorded at least six assists in all five games.
COVERS INTEL: New Orleans ranked 25th in points allowed in the paint last season. Nembhard should have little trouble finding soft spots in the defense with his playmaking.Pelicans player prop: Bennedict Mathurin 15+ points
Indiana played at a high pace last season, even without Haliburton, finishing seventh in pace.
The Pacers like to push the tempo, which plays right into the hands of Bennedict Mathurin. The former Pacer was remarkably productive in fast-paced matchups last season.
He scored 15+ points in 13 of 18 games against opponents ranked in the Top 10 in pace, averaging 17.4 points in those contests.
It's also worth noting that Mathurin had a little extra motivation against his former team last season, averaging 20 points and clearing this line in both matchups.
- Top picks: 0-0, +0-0 units
- Combos: 0-0, +0-0 units
Pacers vs Pelicans odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Pacers -3.5 (51%) | Pelicans +3.5 (50%)
- Over/Under: Over 239.5 (51%) | Under 239.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: Pacers 59% | Pelicans 42%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Pacers vs Pelicans trend
Indiana is 5-1 ATS over its last six road games and enters tonight's matchup as a 3.5-point favorite. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Pacers vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans |
| Date | Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBA League Pass |
Pacers vs Pelicans latest injuries
Check out our NBA injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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