Pacers 123 - Pelicans 120 (10/21/2026): Siakam Shines With 30 Points

The Indiana Pacers took on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. It was the opening game of the 2026-27 NBA season for both teams. The Pacers pulled off a close win with a score of 123-120.

High-Scoring First Quarter

In the first quarter, the Pacers jumped out with a strong start. They scored 38 points, while the Pelicans put up 31 points. The early lead gave Indiana confidence as they moved into the second quarter.

The Pelicans regrouped in the second quarter. They scored 35 points, cutting into Indiana's lead. The Pacers struggled in this quarter, scoring only 18 points.

Back-and-Forth Battle

Indiana regained their rhythm in the third quarter. They added 30 points, keeping the game competitive. New Orleans put up 26 points, maintaining pressure on the Pacers.

Heading into the final quarter, both teams knew the game was still up for grabs. The Pacers scored 37 points, sealing their narrow victory. New Orleans managed 28 points in the last quarter, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.

Standout Performances

Pascal Siakam led the way for Indiana with 30 points and 8 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton also shined with 23 points and 12 assists. Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

For the Pelicans, Yves Missi impressed with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Dejounte Murray scored 23 points and had 7 assists. Zion Williamson added 22 points to the Pelicans' effort.

Team stats reflected the competitive nature of the game. The Pacers shot 52.2% from the field, compared to the Pelicans' 42.7%. New Orleans made 91.9% of their free throws, showing their efficiency at the line.

The Pacers had 29 assists, showcasing strong ball movement. They also had 9 steals, creating extra opportunities on offense. New Orleans led the rebounding battle with 50 rebounds, including 15 on offense.

With this win, the Pacers start the season with a 1-0 record. They sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Pelicans drop to 0-1 and hold the third spot in the Western Conference standings.

Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Dallas Mavericks next. The Pelicans will travel to face the Utah Jazz. Both teams will aim to build momentum in their upcoming games.