Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction | 01.31.26

Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 31-01-2026

As the NBA regular season progresses, the Atlanta Hawks (24-26) face the struggling Indiana Pacers (12-36) in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This contest pits a Hawks squad battling for playoff positioning against a Pacers team in dire need of a spark, making for an intriguing, albeit injury-riddled, showdown.

Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers Matchup Preview

Atlanta Hawks Key Stats & Trends

The Atlanta Hawks arrive in Indianapolis with a middling record, largely defined by the incredible all-around play of Jalen Johnson. Johnson has been a statistical marvel, averaging 22.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, showcasing a rare blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking (22.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG). However, the team’s inconsistent performance and significant injury woes have hampered their ability to climb the standings. Their offensive flow often relies heavily on Johnson’s creation, and without other key contributors, they can struggle for sustained scoring. The Hawks’ defense, particularly in the paint, has also been a concern, exacerbated by their current injury situation.

Injury Report Atlanta Hawks

• Jalen Johnson (Day-to-day): Johnson (calf) is questionable for Saturday’s game in Indiana.
• Zaccharie Risacher (Out): Risacher (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Pacers.
• Onyeka Okongwu (Out): The Hawks are considering Okongwu day-to-day after undergoing a successful dental procedure Thursday morning.
• Kristaps Porzingis (Out): Porzingis (Achilles) will be re-evaluated in one week, the Hawks announced Monday.
• N’Faly Dante (Out): Dante will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Indiana Pacers Key Stats & Trends

The Indiana Pacers are enduring a challenging season, reflected in their 12-36 record. Their struggles are largely attributable to significant injuries to key players, particularly their star point guard. Despite the team’s woes, Pascal Siakam has been a consistent force, leading the team with 23.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game (23.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG). Andrew Nembhard has stepped up in the playmaking role, averaging 7.4 assists, but the team’s overall offensive efficiency and defensive consistency have suffered immensely. The Pacers’ once-vaunted fast-paced offense has slowed without their primary facilitator, leading to lower scoring outputs and increased turnovers.

Injury Report Indiana Pacers

• Tyrese Haliburton (Out): Haliburton said Tuesday in his appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast that he has resumed taking part in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 work on the court while he continues to recover from right Achilles surgery.
• Obi Toppin (Out): Toppin will undergo surgery to place a screw in his right foot Monday, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Best Bet

Despite the Atlanta Hawks’ own injury concerns, particularly around the pivotal Jalen Johnson, they present as the stronger team in this matchup. The Indiana Pacers are severely hobbled, missing their foundational player in Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles surgery) and key frontcourt depth with Obi Toppin (foot surgery) out. While Pascal Siakam is a formidable scorer, the Pacers lack the offensive cohesion and playmaking without Haliburton to consistently compete with even an injury-riddled Hawks squad. Atlanta, with veterans like CJ McCollum and Luke Kennard providing scoring, coupled with Johnson’s potential presence, has enough firepower to overcome a severely depleted Pacers team. Therefore, we predict the winner to be the Atlanta Hawks.

Regarding the total points line set at 231.5, we anticipate an under outcome. Both teams are missing significant offensive contributors. Haliburton’s absence drastically slows the Pacers’ pace and reduces their scoring efficiency. For the Hawks, if Jalen Johnson is limited or out, and with Kristaps Porzingis already sidelined, their primary scoring options become more concentrated and potentially less efficient. Expect a more grind-it-out affair with both teams struggling to consistently generate high-quality looks, leading to a lower-scoring game than the line suggests.