The staggering Indiana Pacers face another tough match-up as the high-flying, high-scoring New Orleans Pelicans come to town.

The Pels handily won the first meeting, 120-98, thanks to shooting 54.9% and unloading 13 three-pointers in the second half.

HOME TEAM: Indiana Pacers (31-21, 18-8 at home)

The Pacers are not having a fun week. After losing to the hapless New York Knicks, they lost two-straight to the Toronto Raptors – one where they blew a 19-point lead and another where they convincingly lost at home while allowing an undrafted rookie to have an all-around performance.

Tomorrow’s obstacle won’t be easier as it will be on the second night of a back-to-back. Unlike that previous encounter, however, there will be an experienced floor general as Malcolm Brogdon (16.9 PPG, 7.3 APG) is now on the fold.

All-Star Domantas Sabonis (18.3 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 4.6 APG) is again out to lead the attack. He’ll continue carrying much of the scoring load with TJ Warren still out with a concussion.

Victor Oladipo, who’s still trying to regain his form, has a good chance to advance the process. His 15 points on 28 minutes of play in Saturday’s game against the Raptors were both his highest since returning.

ROAD TEAM: New Orleans Pelicans (21-31. 11-15 on the road)

The Pelicans enter as winners in four of their last six games. They are averaging 128 points per game in the victories and three of those came with a winning margin of 15, 14, and 28 points.

Zion Williamson will try assuming the go-to scorer role if Brandon Ingram (ankle) is unable to go. He did a fine job in Friday’s 125-119 win over the Chicago Bulls, scoring a team-high 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting – Ingram left in the third quarter and didn’t return. Williamson is now posting 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds on the season and has shot 53.8% or better in seven of his eight outings.

Even without Ingram, offense can come nicely in various sources as JJ Redick, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, E’Twaun Moore can pick up the slack when called upon. Three combined for 39 points, 21 assists and nine three-pointers during the Bulls game.

Veteran two-way point guard Jrue Holiday (19.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG) can also do some damage, and he’ll be in an interesting match-up with Brogdon.

PREDICTION:

The battle in transition should be pretty good as the Pelicans are fifth in fastbreak points and the Pacers are fifth in fastbreak defense.

In the end, I expect the Pels to go home with a 116-110 win. Zion should be able to have another solid game and overpower Indy’s forwards.