The NBA matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards promises to be a challenging showdown as both teams face a slew of injuries and disappointing performances. With both teams struggling and lacking a healthy roster, expectations are low as they prepare to go head-to-head in Washington for a two-game series.
The Pacers, known for their recent head-to-head success, have won six of their last seven encounters against the Wizards. However, with key players such as Pascal Siakam, Ivica Zubac, and Obi Toppin sidelined, along with the uncertainty surrounding T.J. McConnell and Aaron Nesmith, Indiana’s scoring potential appears significantly hampered. Currently, the Pacers sit near the bottom in scoring, averaging just 111.1 points per game.
On the other side, the Wizards also face roster challenges, unable to leverage their second-worst scoring defense to their advantage, as top players like Anthony Davis and Trae Young have yet to make their debuts and Alex Sarr remains unavailable. Given this context, predictions indicate that the total points scored could fall significantly, with the recommended bet set at Under 232.5 points.
For those placing bets, Andrew Nembhard stands out as one of the few healthy regulars for the Pacers. His recent performance has been impressive; he has recorded at least nine assists in seven of his last 11 games. However, Jarace Walker’s scoring consistency is in question, as he tends to underperform following high-scoring games.
As this game approaches, betting odds suggest the Pacers are slight favorites at -2.5 against the Wizards. Despite the uncertainty, some trends may offer a glimmer of hope. For instance, Washington has shown resilience by covering the spread in seven of its last eight home games against teams with losing records.
Fans can watch the game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Though both teams are struggling, this matchup will provide an opportunity for them to salvage some hope moving forward in the season.