NBA League Pass Game Highlight: Pacers vs. Pelicans (8 ET)

The Indiana Pacers made an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, and with Pascal Siakam on the team from the start, expectations for this season were high. The hype surrounding the Pacers hadn't been this strong since the days of Roy Hibbert. The team kicked off the season with a close victory against the Pistons but then suffered three consecutive losses. However, on Wednesday, the Pacers managed to pull off an overtime win against the Celtics. This victory could be just what they needed to get back on track.

1. The Pacers are trying to get on track

2. New Orleans getting by without Dejounte Murray

The Pelicans dealt depth away in order to bring Murray to town from the Hawks. In his first game for New Orleans, he had 14 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists against a single turnover. But he broke his hand in a way that left him with a 4-to-6 week timetable to return. The Pelicans’ pivot wasn’t too tricky, as they simply moved CJ McCollum back to point guard and Brandon Ingram to shooting guard. However, the Pelicans are already feeling the loss of Murray, as they’re hoping to get McCollum and Ingram back to their designated positions. 

3. A healthy Zion

When Zion Williamson is healthy, he is one of the most kinetic forces on the court. His problem has generally been staying healthy, but he played a career-high 70 games last season. Williamson will be worth watching against Myles Turner and company.

4. Tyrese Haliburton is looking to get back in the groove

Haliburton has been an All-Star in both of his first two full seasons with the Pacers. Last year, he led the NBA in assists per game and was third-team All-NBA. He even made the gold-winning U.S. men’s national basketball team for the 2024 Olympics. Even so, Haliburton is off to a slow start to the 2024-25 season. After dishing 12 dimes against the Celtics, Haliburton has averaged just 6.6 assists per game through five outings this season, and he’s down to 14.6 points per contest as well.

5. Yves Missi’s block party

The Pelicans drafted Missi out of Baylor with the 21st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. While he’s been a backup big as a rookie, he’s been imposing around the rim. Missi has blocked nine shots through five games. With Turner’s skills as a shot blocker for the Pacers as well, there could be a lot of shots swatted Friday.