The Indiana Pacers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night at State Farm Arena. Indiana is 35-25 and holds the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, while Atlanta is 28-34 and fighting for positioning in the play-in tournament. The Pacers have won five straight against the Hawks, including a 132-127 victory in Indianapolis on February 1.
Indiana has been one of the league’s hottest teams since the start of 2025, winning 19 of its last 26 games. Atlanta has struggled recently, losing six of its last eight, including a 127-121 home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. The Hawks will try to snap their losing streak against Indiana in the first game of a two-game set.
Indiana Pacers Preview – Staying Hot in the Playoff Push
The Pacers have been one of the best offensive teams in the league, ranking top five in field goal percentage and assists. Tyrese Haliburton leads the way, averaging 18.5 points and 8.9 assists per game. He had 28 points and 15 assists in Indiana’s last game, a 13-point win over Houston.
Pascal Siakam continues to be a key piece for Indiana, leading the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game. Myles Turner provides interior defense, averaging 16 points and blocking shots at a high rate. The Pacers are playing well despite injuries, as Bennedict Mathurin (wrist) has missed the last three games and is questionable for this matchup.
Indiana has dominated Atlanta in recent meetings, winning four straight by an average of nearly 25 points. If the Pacers can continue their offensive efficiency and limit turnovers, they have a strong chance to extend their winning streak over the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks Preview – Searching for Consistency
The Hawks have had trouble stringing wins together this season, sitting ninth in the East. Trae Young leads the league in assists at 11.5 per game and is averaging 23.6 points. He scored 28 points in the loss to Milwaukee but shot just 9-for-24 from the field.
Atlanta has received solid production from recent trade acquisitions Caris LeVert and Georges Niang. LeVert is averaging 16.8 points since joining the team, while Niang adds 13.3 points per game. The Hawks will need both players to step up if Young remains limited by an ankle injury.
Atlanta’s defense has struggled, ranking near the bottom of the league in field goal defense and three-point defense. If the Hawks can’t slow down Indiana’s fast-paced offense, they could be in for another tough night.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is a slight road favorite and has dominated this matchup recently. The Pacers have covered in seven of the last ten meetings against Atlanta, while the Hawks have struggled defensively. The over has hit in eight of the last ten matchups, making a high-scoring game likely.
Indiana has been the better team all season and should take advantage of Atlanta’s defensive issues. Expect the Pacers to win and cover the spread.
Pick: Indiana Pacers -3
Should be a good game, but push comes to shove the Indiana Pacers win this game over the Hawks.
