After being trade partners at last month’s deadline, the LA Clippers and Indiana Pacers meet for the second and final time this season.
Following the deal that sent Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown to Indiana in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and three draft picks, the Clippers beat the Pacers, 130-107, on March 4.
That defeat was part of a 16-game losing streak for the Pacers, which they snapped Monday against the Orlando Magic before dropping another game Wednesday to the Lakers.
Now facing the Clippers again, the Pacers are hoping to at least stay competitive, with their playoff hopes already eliminated.
Here’s a preview of this game, scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff.
Clippers vs Pacers Odds
Moneyline: Clippers (-400) vs Pacers (+310)
Spread: Clippers -9.5 (-110) vs Pacers +9.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Clippers o238.5 (-110) vs Pacers u238.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Clippers vs Pacers Preview
The Pacers currently hold a 52.1% chance of landing a top-four pick and will look to maintain that position. In acquiring Zubac, they sent their 2026 first-round pick to the Clippers, protected Nos. 1-4 and 10-30, meaning it will convey if it falls between No. 5 and No. 9.
This game carries significance. The Clippers enter on a three-game winning streak, bouncing back after a four-game losing skid.
After a rough start to the season, the Clippers have turned things around and recently secured a postseason spot. They sit at 37-36 in eighth place, just half a game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers, who are also in the play-in mix.
Kawhi Leonard has been dominant for the Clippers, averaging 29.7 points per game over the last three contests, while Darius Garland has found his rhythm with 26.7 points and 7.7 assists per game during the winning streak.
The same cannot be said for the Pacers. In March, they own the worst defensive rating and rank among the bottom five in net rating. Their saving grace has been an offense that still ranks inside the top 20.
Since March, seven Pacers players have averaged double figures, led by Pascal Siakam at 24.7 points per game and Jarace Walker at 15.1. However, the offense still lacks the Tyrese Haliburton effect, compounded by multiple injuries across the roster.
Injury Reports
For the Clippers, Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser are out, while Jordan Miller is questionable.
For the Pacers, Johnny Furphy, Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac are out. Aaron Nesmith is probable, Jalen Slawson is doubtful and Obi Toppin is questionable.
Starting Lineups
Expect the Clippers to start Darius Garland, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins, Kawhi Leonard and Brook Lopez.
Expect the Pacers to start Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff.
Prediction
This projects to be a dominant win for the Clippers. While the Pacers showed fight in their last outing against the Lakers, the Clippers’ healthier roster should prove too much to handle.
Our prediction: Clippers win by 14.
Clippers vs Pacers Props
- Kawhi Leonard O/U 28.5 points – Take the over.
- Pascal Siakam O/U 22.5 points – Take the under.
- Bennedict Mathurin O/U 19.5 points – Take the over.
- Darius Garland O/U 18.5 points – Take the under.
