After seeing their modest three-game win streak snapped by the Raptors on Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for one last home game before embarking on a five-game road trip. Up next: a Friday night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans - a team that, like the Pacers, has spent much of the season trying to find its footing.
Indiana enters the contest at 9-32, while New Orleans sits just a half-step ahead at 10-33. These two squads currently own the worst records in the NBA, which makes Friday's game more than just another midseason matchup - it could have ripple effects in the race for the top pick in this year’s draft.
This will be the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans took the first matchup back on December 20, pulling away for a 128-109 win. Since then, both teams have continued to struggle, but New Orleans is coming off a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday - just their second victory of the new year and third since December 22.
For Indiana, Wednesday’s loss to Toronto halted what had been a rare stretch of momentum. Now, the Pacers will look to regroup at home before hitting the road again. But they’ll have to do it shorthanded - and that’s putting it mildly.
Pacers Injury Report (1/16)
The injury list is long and concerning for Indiana:
- Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) - Out
- Isaiah Jackson (concussion) - Out
- Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) - Out
- Obi Toppin (foot) - Out
- Kam Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- Taelon Peter (G League) - Doubtful
- Ethan Thompson (G League) - Questionable
Kam Jones, who suffered a right ankle sprain during a game with the Noblesville Boom on Thursday, is questionable for Friday. While he’s not a mainstay in the Pacers’ rotation, his availability could matter given the sheer number of absences.
Taelon Peter and Ethan Thompson, both on two-way contracts, are also uncertain. Peter is listed as doubtful, while Thompson is questionable. With Haliburton, Mathurin, and Toppin all ruled out, Indiana’s depth will be tested heavily once again.
Pelicans Injury Report (1/16)
New Orleans is dealing with its own injury woes:
- Jose Alvarado (oblique) - Out
- Herb Jones (ankle) - Out
- Dejounte Murray (Achilles) - Out
- Hunter Dickinson (G League) - Out
Alvarado remains sidelined with a left oblique strain that’s kept him out since January 6. Herb Jones is also out with a right ankle sprain - he’s played just once since the calendar flipped to 2026 and only 23 games all season.
Dejounte Murray, who suffered an Achilles injury nearly a year ago on January 31, 2025, has yet to suit up this season. There’s still no clear timetable for his return, and he’ll remain out against the Pacers.
What to Watch
While both teams are buried at the bottom of their respective conferences, Friday’s game is still worth tuning in for - especially for fans keeping an eye on the future. With the draft lottery looming in the background, every win (or loss) carries a little extra weight.
From a development standpoint, this matchup is a chance to see how younger players handle increased roles. For Indiana, the absence of key starters means more minutes for the bench and two-way guys. For New Orleans, it’s about building on the momentum from their recent win and seeing how their depth holds up without Alvarado and Jones.
Neither team is playing for playoff position right now, but that doesn’t mean the stakes are low. In a season that’s been defined by growing pains, games like this are where foundational pieces can emerge - or where draft position starts to crystallize.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET in Indianapolis.