Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Friday’s matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers.
The third annual NBA Cup tips off on Halloween night, when the Indiana Pacers host the Atlanta Hawks. Both teams will be vying for the top spot in East Group A, which also comprises the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards.
In the broader context of the season, the Hawks (2-3) look to build on the momentum from their recent victory over the winless Brooklyn Nets as they face a beleaguered Pacers squad also searching for its first victory (0-4).
Tipoff at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Atlanta is a -135 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with Indiana listed as a +114 home underdog. The total is set at 232.5 points.
Hawks vs. Pacers Preview
Atlanta’s win over the struggling Nets was dampened when Trae Young exited with a right knee sprain. While the injury didn’t involve ACL damage, the star point guard — who entered the night averaging 20.8 points and 9.5 assists — will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
In the offseason, the Hawks added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, each providing steady contributions early on. Still, the team sits in the bottom third of the league in offensive (23rd), defensive (22nd), and net rating (24th). They shoot just 45.9% from the floor and 34.5% from beyond the arc, both ranking 19th in the league.
Young’s absence represents a sink-or-swim moment for this new-look squad.
Losing your star player can devastate a franchise — a feeling the Pacers know all too well. A team that made it to the NBA Finals last season hasn’t won a game since Tyrese Haliburton tore his achilles in Game 7.
Myles Turner left town before the injury bug hit, but the remaining Pacers haven’t been so fortunate. Andrew Nembhard (shoulder), Benedict Mathurin (toe), Obi Toppin (hamstring), and TJ McConnell (hamstring) are all sidelined for Friday’s matchup.
Middling defense has been the bright spot for a Pacers team that ranks 26th in net rating and 28th in offensive rating. They have the worst field-goal percentage in the Eastern Conference (40.4%), while ranking dead last in free-throw percentage (70.3%).
Indiana does have an edge on the glass. The Pacers lead the East with 50 rebounds per game and average over 14 offensive boards — 5th in the NBA. That could spell trouble for the Hawks, who allow the sixth-most offensive boards and third-most second-chance points in the league.
Hawks vs. Pacers Pick, Best Bet
Still, Indiana’s injury report is longer than a CVS receipt. Don’t count on them to start turning things around until they get healthy. Even without Young, the Hawks should have enough firepower to grab a decisive win in enemy territory.
Best Bet: Atlanta Hawks -2.5 Points (-112)
