Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.20.26

Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.20.26

The Indiana Pacers (15-41) travel to the Capital One Arena to face the Washington Wizards (15-39) on February 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This matchup features two squads decimated by injuries, turning this regular-season contest into a high-stakes showcase for young talent and depth pieces looking to secure their future in the league.

Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Matchup Preview

Indiana Pacers Key Stats & Trends

The Pacers are currently navigating a difficult stretch without their franchise cornerstone. In the absence of Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard has emerged as the primary engine, averaging 17.4 PPG and 7.5 APG. Indiana continues to push a high-tempo offense, though their frontcourt depth is severely tested. Jarace Walker (4.5 RPG) will need to provide elite interior presence to compensate for the lack of veteran size. The Pacers’ success hinges on Nembhard’s ability to manipulate the Wizards’ fractured perimeter defense.

Injury Report Indiana Pacers

• Aaron Nesmith (Out): Nesmith (ankle) won’t play Friday against Washington.
• Kam Jones (Day-to-day): Jones has been ruled out due to lower-back soreness.
• Pascal Siakam (Out): Siakam (personal) won’t play in Friday’s rematch with Washington.
• T.J. McConnell (Out): McConnell (hamstring) is out for Thursday’s game against Washington.
• Obi Toppin (Out): Toppin (foot) is expected to be out for “a while” according to coach Rick Carlisle.
• Ivica Zubac (Out): Zubac (ankle) remains sidelined for the foreseeable future.
• Johnny Furphy (Out): Furphy (torn right ACL) will miss the remainder of the season.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Out): Haliburton continues to recover from right Achilles surgery.

Washington Wizards Key Stats & Trends

Washington is entering a full youth-movement phase with their stars sidelined. Kyshawn George has taken the mantle, leading the team with 15.1 PPG and 4.8 APG. The Wizards lack a true interior rim protector with Davis and Sarr out, putting immense pressure on Justin Champagnie (5.8 RPG) to control the glass. Washington’s offensive rating has fluctuated wildly, but George’s 15.1 PPG rating suggests he is comfortable as the primary scoring option in this depleted rotation.

Injury Report Washington Wizards

• Trae Young (Out): Young (knee, quadriceps) will be re-evaluated in one week.
• Anthony Davis (Out): Davis (finger) has yet to be cleared for basketball activities.
• Alex Sarr (Out): Sarr is facing a two-week recovery timeline due to a right hamstring strain.
• D’Angelo Russell (Out): Russell will not report to the team while the front office evaluates future options.
• Cam Whitmore (Out): Whitmore (venous condition) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Best Bet

With both rosters missing their defensive anchors—specifically Anthony Davis for Washington and Ivica Zubac for Indiana—we expect a game with very little resistance in the paint. The Indiana Pacers remain the more structured team under Rick Carlisle, with Andrew Nembhard providing a level of playmaking stability that Washington currently lacks. While the 231.5 line is substantial, the absence of rim protection and the high pace of both young backcourts make the over the most viable play. Expect a high-scoring transition battle where Indiana’s slight edge in coaching and guard play carries them to victory.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers to win; Total: Over 231.5.