The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night with both teams near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and dealing with significant injury concerns. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
New Orleans Pelicans enter the game at 10-33 after a 116-113 home win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. That victory snapped a short skid and came despite multiple rotation players being unavailable.
New Orleans will again be without Dejounte Murray, who remains out following a right Achilles rupture that has sidelined him long term. Jose Alvarado is also unavailable with a left oblique strain. Herbert Jones is listed out due to a right ankle sprain. Hunter Dickinson is also out while on a two-way G League assignment.
The Pelicans are expected to lean heavily on Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson for offensive production. Murphy is averaging 22.2 points per game on 50.3 percent shooting, while Williamson is posting 22.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest in limited appearances.
Indiana enters the matchup at 9-32 and coming off a 115-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The Pacers have lost Tyrese Haliburton for the season after a right Achilles tendon tear.
The Pacers will also be without Bennedict Mathurin, who is sidelined with a right thumb sprain, and Obi Toppin, who continues to recover from a right foot stress fracture. Isaiah Jackson remains out as he works through concussion protocol. Taelon Peter is listed as doubtful due to a two-way G League designation, while Ethan Thompson is questionable.
Pascal Siakam has carried a heavy load, averaging 23.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while logging nearly 34 minutes per night. Andrew Nembhard has taken on increased playmaking duties and is averaging 7.1 assists per game in Haliburton’s absence.
Friday’s game marks the second meeting between the teams this season. New Orleans won the first matchup 128-109 on December 20.
