So, you’re looking for the score. Honestly, the Indiana Pacers are in a weird spot right now in the 2025-26 season, and keeping track of their record feels like a full-time job. If you are asking what's the score in the pacers game right now, you’re likely looking for the result of their Saturday, January 17, 2026, matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
Here is the deal: the Pacers are currently on a back-to-back. They just came off a massive, high-energy win at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, where they looked like a completely different team than the one that’s been struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The Latest Final: Pacers 127, Pelicans 119
Before looking ahead to the Detroit game, we have to talk about what happened last night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If you missed it, you missed arguably the most fun game of the Pacers' season. Jay Huff—yes, Jay Huff—erupted for a career-high 29 points. He was everywhere. Nine rebounds, two blocks, and a level of energy that finally gave the home crowd something to scream about.
Pascal Siakam did his usual thing, steady as a rock with 27 points. Andrew Nembhard also showed out with a double-double, dropping 19 points and dishing 10 assists. It was a rare night where the Pacers' offense actually looked fluid, racking up 37 assists on 52 made shots. That kind of ball movement is what Rick Carlisle has been begging for all year.
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Tonight’s Matchup: Pacers vs. Pistons (Jan 17, 2026)
The Pacers have traveled to Detroit to face the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. This is a "David vs. Goliath" situation that sounds crazy to say if you haven't been following the standings lately.
- Pistons Record: 29-10 (1st in the Eastern Conference)
- Pacers Record: 10-32 (15th in the Eastern Conference)
- Tip-off: 7:30 PM EST
- Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit / Prime Video
The Pistons are massive favorites tonight, coming in at -12.5. Why the huge gap? Detroit is finally healthy. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris are all back in the lineup. Duren specifically has been a nightmare for Indiana this year, averaging 24 points and 13.5 boards in their previous meetings.
What’s the Score in the Pacers Game Right Now?
Since the game tips off at 7:30 PM EST on Saturday, January 17, the live score will fluctuate throughout the evening. If you are checking this before tip-off, the score is 0-0. If it’s late Saturday night, you’re looking to see if Indiana’s tired legs from the Friday night win can hold up against a rested, first-place Detroit squad.
Honestly, the "vibe" around the team changed a bit after the Pelicans win. They were 9-32 heading into that game. Now, at 10-32, they are starting a five-game road trip. This stretch is basically the season. If they get swept on this trip—which includes stops in Philly and Boston—the front office might start looking at "sell" options before the trade deadline.
Why the Pacers are Struggling (And Why Friday Mattered)
It's no secret the Pacers have been hit by the injury bug in a way that feels personal. Losing Tyrese Haliburton for the season with that Achilles injury was the soul-crushing moment of the winter. Without their primary engine, the offense has spent months looking like a car stuck in third gear.
Bennedict Mathurin is also out with a thumb injury, though Coach Carlisle mentioned he might return at some point during this road trip. Obi Toppin and Isaiah Jackson are also sidelined. This has forced guys like Quenton Jackson and Johnny Furphy into much larger roles than anyone expected.
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Key Performance Trends to Watch
If you’re betting or just trying to sound smart at the sports bar, keep these stats in mind for what's the score in the pacers game calculations:
- First Half Surges: Against the Pelicans, the Pacers put up 73 points in the first half. They tend to start hot and then lose steam in the third quarter.
- The Duren Factor: Jalen Duren has absolutely bullied the Pacers' interior defense this year. Without a true rim protector active, watch the points in the paint.
- The Over/Under: Most books have the total around 225.5. The Pacers play at a fast pace but struggle to stop anyone, making the "Over" a frequent flyer for Indiana games lately.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the score in real-time, your best bet is to toggle notifications on the NBA app or check the live box score on ESPN. If you’re a local fan, FanDuel Sports Network is the primary home, but for those out of market, keep an eye on Prime Video as they’ve been picking up more of these regional matchups lately.
Keep an eye on the injury report about 30 minutes before tip-off. If Mathurin makes a surprise return, the spread could shift, and Indiana might actually have the bench depth to keep it close against the Pistons. Either way, the win over New Orleans gave this team a tiny spark—now we see if they can keep it lit in Detroit.