Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds March 1

The Pacers finish a mini-series tonight

The Indiana Pacers start a short road trip tonight as they travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans. The Pacers beat the Pelicans on Wednesday, so these two teams are very familiar with each other.

New Orleans is in sixth place in the West and Indiana is tied for sixth in the East. Both teams are fighting hard to stay in playoff positioning while avoiding the Play-In Tournament, so every game is important. The Pacers will look to sweep the season series and keep climbing the standings.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 8 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports New Orleans

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are underdogs as they are currently +5.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 238.5.

Pacers vs Pelicans Injury Report

For the Pacers, Doug McDermott is out with a right calf strain. Aaron Nesmith is questionable with a right ankle sprain. Kendall Brown, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Isaiah Wong are questionable due to their status on a two-way contract.

For the Pelicans, Jalen Crutcher, Dyson Daniels, Malcolm Hill, E.J. Liddell, and Dereon Seabron are out.

Key Matchup

Andrew Nembhard vs CJ McCollum: McCollum is the Pelicans best ball handler, and Nembhard frequently guards that player type on opposing teams. Nembhard spent time on McCollum Wednesday, and the New Orleans floor general finished with 23 points on 9/21 shooting.

On offense, Nembhard hit some critical jumpers, especially from the corners. He needs to be equally impactful, if not slightly better, tonight if Indiana wants to win. His two-way play is important against a team with limited guard depth, as he showed on Wednesday.

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• Indiana Pacers hold on late to take down New Orleans Pelicans on ESPN. CLICK HERE.
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