Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Spread: Pacers -6.5
Total: 233.5
A Battle for a Breakthrough in Indy
Two teams desperate to turn their seasons around clash at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the winless Brooklyn Nets visit the struggling Indiana Pacers. This early-season matchup pits two franchises who have been ravaged by injuries and are trying to find their footing. The Pacers, despite their 1-6 record, are favored by 6.5 points at home against a Nets team that has yet to enter the win column.
Winless Nets Look to End the Skid
The Brooklyn Nets are off to a disastrous 0-7 start to the 2025-26 season. As recent injury reports from matchups against the 76ers and Timberwolves show, the team has been dealing with numerous absences that have contributed to their inability to secure a victory. The Nets’ injury report has been consistently crowded, with players like Haywood Highsmith sidelined for an extended period with a knee issue. Mired in a slump and on the road, the Nets face an uphill battle to notch their first win against a team that will be equally desperate.
Pacers Playing Without Their Star
The story of the Indiana Pacers’ 1-6 season is defined by one catastrophic injury. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is confirmed to be out for the entire 2025-26 season after undergoing surgery on his right Achilles tendon. His absence has left a massive void in the team’s offense and leadership.
The injury woes don’t stop there. The Pacers have been so banged up that one report from just days ago noted that “Indy can barely field a team.” With players like Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Jarace Walker all appearing on various injury reports throughout the preseason and early campaign, coach Rick Carlisle has been forced to navigate an ever-expanding list of unavailable players. This game at home represents a prime opportunity for the Haliburton-less Pacers to build some much-needed momentum.
Prediction
This is a matchup between two of the league’s most embattled teams. The 6.5-point spread favoring a 1-6 team is a testament to just how poorly the 0-7 Nets have played. The Pacers have the significant advantage of playing at home and have at least proven they can win a game, something Brooklyn has yet to do.
Even without Haliburton, the Pacers are built to play at a high pace. The high total of 233.5 suggests that oddsmakers expect a fast-paced game with questionable defense from both sides, which is a fair assessment given their records. The Nets are desperate, but the Pacers are on their home floor in what they will view as a must-win game. Expect Bennedict Mathurin and the remaining Pacers to do just enough to pull away and cover the spread.
The Pick: Pacers -6.5Over/Under: Over 233.5Predicted Score: Pacers 122 – Nets 114
Sources:
Brooklyn Nets Injury Status – ESPN
Brooklyn Nets Injury Status – ESPN (PH)
Brooklyn Nets Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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