The Indiana Pacers visit the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Barclays Center. Indiana is 8th in the Eastern Conference with an 18-18 record, while Brooklyn sits 12th at 13-22. The Pacers, aiming to climb above .500, bring momentum from their recent road success. Meanwhile, the Nets look to snap a five-game home losing streak.
In their last meeting on December 4, the Nets secured a 99-90 win, with Cameron Johnson leading the way. However, Johnson is out for this matchup, and the Nets face further injury concerns with Cam Thomas, D’Angelo Russell, and Ben Simmons all questionable. Indiana, meanwhile, has seen improved form, winning seven of their last eight road games.
Pacers Preview – Seeking Stability
The Pacers have turned things around since their sluggish start, going 9-4 in their last 13 games. Tyrese Haliburton leads the charge, coming off consecutive strong performances, including a 27-point outing against Phoenix. Myles Turner has also stepped up, posting back-to-back 20-point games for the first time this season.
Indiana’s offensive resurgence has been key, with the team scoring 120+ points in three of their last four games. Their three-point shooting has improved as well, hitting 15 triples in their recent win over the Suns. Despite injuries to Aaron Nesmith and Isaiah Jackson, the Pacers’ depth has carried them during this stretch.
Defense remains a focus, with Turner emphasizing team effort. If Indiana continues to combine offensive firepower with defensive intensity, they are well-positioned to maintain their strong road form.
Nets Preview – Overcoming Challenges
The Nets face an uphill battle with a depleted roster. Injuries to key contributors like Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson have left Brooklyn searching for offensive consistency. Ziaire Williams has been a bright spot, scoring 19 points in their recent loss to Philadelphia, but the team’s shooting struggles persist.
Brooklyn has dropped 12 of their last 16 games and is 0-3 without Johnson. Their most recent loss, a 123-94 defeat to the 76ers, highlighted ongoing issues with turnovers and defensive lapses. The Nets committed a season-high 22 turnovers, compounding their offensive inefficiency.
To compete with Indiana, Brooklyn will need stronger performances from its supporting cast and improved shooting efficiency. The team’s focus will be on limiting mistakes and finding rhythm despite the absence of key players.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is a 9.5-point favorite, with the total set at 222.5 points. The Pacers’ recent road success and Brooklyn’s injury concerns make Indiana the safer pick to cover the spread. Brooklyn’s scoring struggles and Indiana’s defensive improvements suggest the under could also be in play.
With Haliburton and Turner in form, Indiana has the firepower to secure a decisive victory. Brooklyn’s lack of depth and reliance on younger players may make it difficult to keep pace.
Pick: Indiana -9.5, Under 222.5
