Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers Prediction and Picks - December 31, 2025

The Orlando Magic (18-15) close out 2025 on the road against the struggling Indiana Pacers (6-27) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Magic are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking one-point loss to Toronto, while the Pacers are mired in a season-worst nine-game losing streak. This New Year’s Eve matchup is heavily impacted by the injury report, as both teams are missing their primary franchise cornerstones.

Make sure you are ready for all the basketball action with our NBA picks.

Game Information

• Time: 3:00 PM EST, Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025

• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, IN

• Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, NBA League Pass

Verified Team Leaders & Roster Status

Orlando Magic

The Magic are navigating a difficult stretch without their top scorer.

• Points: Franz Wagner (22.7 PPG) is OUT (Ankle). In his absence, Paolo Banchero (19.8 PPG) and Desmond Bane (19.2 PPG) have taken on the primary scoring roles.

• Rebounds: Paolo Banchero (8.2 RPG) and Wendell Carter Jr. (7.5 RPG).

• Assists: Jalen Suggs (4.8 APG) is QUESTIONABLE (Hip). If he remains out, Anthony Black and Tyus Jones will continue to split playmaking duties.

• Injury Update: Desmond Bane is QUESTIONABLE with back spasms after exiting Monday's game briefly. Jonathan Isaac is also QUESTIONABLE after playing only 29 seconds on Monday due to knee soreness.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are currently the worst team in the NBA by record, struggling significantly with defensive consistency.

• Points: Pascal Siakam (23.4 PPG) is the focal point of the offense with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined.

• Rebounds: Pascal Siakam (6.8 RPG).

• Assists: Andrew Nembhard (6.9 APG) has taken over as the primary distributor.

• Injury Update: Tyrese Haliburton is OUT (Season-ending Achilles surgery). Obi Toppin and Isaiah Jackson are also OUT. T.J. McConnell is PROBABLE despite a hamstring issue.

Expert Picks andPick Predictions

Magic vs Pacers ATS

• Orlando Magic -8.5

Even without Franz Wagner, the Magic are the vastly superior team. Indiana is currently allowing 119.4 points per game (27th in the NBA) and has lost its last five games by an average margin of 14 points. Orlando’s defense, led by Banchero and (if healthy) Isaac, should be able to stifle an Indiana offense that lacks playmaking depth without Haliburton. Expect a motivated Magic squad to pull away in the second half to snap Indiana's nine-game slide with a double-digit win.

Pacers vs Magic O/U Pick

• Over 231.5

While both teams are missing stars, the Pacers' defensive metrics are so poor that almost every opponent is exceeding their season scoring averages against them lately. Indiana has given up 125+ points in four of their last five games. Orlando has shown they can score in bunches even without Wagner, putting up 127 on Denver last week. A final score in the range of 122–111 for Orlando seems likely, pushing this total over.