The Indiana Pacers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Friday.

The Pelicans (26-33) had a lot of promise headed into the season but it's been a nightmare, to say the least. This whole Anthony Davis situation is really killing this franchise and it's a wonder if he'll remain a part of this team after this season. The trade request definitely paints a dark picture for the future and the volatility of his playing time isn't making it look any better. What's sad about all this is the fact that it's led to the Pelicans falling apart, as they come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 15 games. That stretch has pretty much knocked them out of playoff contention and that's a sad reality from a talented team. Players like Jrue Holiday and Kenrich Williams are having career years and it's hard to understand why they're so bad with all the talent they possess. One bit of good news is that Elfrid Payton is expected to return for this game, as he's missed the last 10 fixtures due to an ankle injury. He's been in and out of the lineup all season and getting him back may give this team one final chance to make an unlikely playoff run.

The Pacers (38-20) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games, as they now sit third in the Eastern Conference. That's an amazing accomplishment from a team who is playing without their best player, as Victor Oladipo continues to recover from knee surgery. Players like Myles Turner, Darren Collison and Thaddeus Young have stepped up big in his absence and it's really showing in their defensive numbers. Indiana currently ranks first in points allowed, allowing fewer than 103 points per game. Having an elite defense like that will always keep them competitive, especially when you consider the fact that they own a 22-8 home record to match that elite defense.

The one meeting between these teams was a tight one, with Indiana prevailing on the road, 109-107, on February 4. That gives the Pacers 12 wins in their last 15 games against the Pelicans.