Pacers vs. Pelicans NBA Betting Odds, Picks: Healthy Tyrese Haliburton returns after missing full season
The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans open the 2026-27 NBA season Wednesday at Smoothie King Center, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Indiana welcomes back star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the entire 2025-26 campaign after tearing his Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Without Haliburton, the Pacers stumbled to a 19-63 record and finished 14th in the Eastern Conference.
New Orleans also missed the playoffs, finishing 26-56 and 11th in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans went 3-1 in the preseason, while Indiana won just once in five exhibition games.
Pacers vs. Pelicans NBA Betting Odds
The Pacers enter Wednesday’s opener as 3.5-point favourites on the NBA odds, with a -155 moneyline. New Orleans is listed at +130, while the total is 239.5 points.
Indiana won both meetings last season, including a 119-112 victory in New Orleans in January.
Both teams struggled defensively last season, and the high total suggests plenty of scoring opportunities.
With Haliburton back, Indiana could be particularly dangerous in transition, while New Orleans will look to take advantage of its home court.
Indiana Pacers
Haliburton’s return gives the Pacers a much-needed boost after a disappointing season.
The two-time All-Star looked sharp during the preseason, scoring 48 points and distributing 15 assists across three appearances. He shot 52.8 per cent from the field and 53.3 per cent from three-point range.
He scored 24 points in just 17 minutes against Oklahoma City, suggesting his offensive rhythm is returning.
Pascal Siakam remains another important contributor, providing scoring, rebounding and experience.
The Pacers also added centre Ivica Zubac in a February trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, giving them a physical presence around the basket.
Zubac’s rebounding and interior defence should help Indiana address some of last season’s weaknesses.
However, the Pacers face injury concerns. Aaron Nesmith and T.J. McConnell have been dealing with hamstring problems, potentially affecting the team’s depth.
Indiana needs Haliburton to rediscover his chemistry with Siakam and establish an effective partnership with Zubac.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans enter the season under new coach Jamahl Mosley, hoping to build around Zion Williamson and their developing young players.
Williamson remains New Orleans’ biggest offensive threat, particularly when attacking the basket.
He also tested his outside shooting in the preseason finale against Washington, attempting four three-pointers despite missing them all.
Trey Murphy III provides perimeter scoring, while Dejounte Murray brings additional playmaking and defensive ability.
Murray missed the final three preseason games with a toe injury but expects to be available Wednesday.
Second-year players Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will also be counted on for improvement. Former Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin adds another scoring option.
Mathurin’s familiarity with Indiana’s personnel could also prove useful as New Orleans looks to establish an offensive rhythm early in the season.
New Orleans must improve defensively after another disappointing campaign.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Pacers vs. Pelicans?
Haliburton’s return makes Indiana considerably more dangerous, but the Pacers could need time to rebuild their chemistry.
Williamson should create problems inside, while New Orleans’ home-court advantage and preseason momentum make the Pelicans an appealing underdog.
Expect a high-scoring contest, with the hosts pulling out a narrow victory.
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