Pacers vs Hawks: Live Stream, TV Channel, Start Time & Key Storylines for Tonight’s NBA Showdown

The Atlanta Hawks host the Indiana Pacers at State Farm Arena this Monday, January 26, 2026, with tip-off set for 1:30 p.m. ET. The Hawks enter the matinee at 22-25, clinging to the final Eastern Conference play-in spot, while the rebuilding Pacers sit at 11-35 and just 3-19 on the road. Key storylines • Playoff positioning vs. player development – Atlanta is only two games behind eighth place and can’t afford a slip-up at home. Indiana, meanwhile, continues to prioritize minutes for its young core as it eyes lottery odds. • Pace war – Both clubs rank top-10 in possessions per game, but the Hawks average 117.4 ppg to the Pacers’ 110.0. Indiana’s defense, however, gives up an East-worst 118.2 ppg, setting the stage for a potential shootout. • All-Star snub motivation – Hawks guard Trae Young missed the starter list despite 27.8 points and 10.1 assists per night. Expect an aggressive outing from the three-time All-Star candidate. • Injury watch – Indiana lists Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Obi Toppin (foot) as questionable. Atlanta could be without newcomer Kristaps Porziņģis (Achilles management) and prized rookie Zaccharie Risacher (knee). Any late scratch will swing both the betting line and DFS value charts. Betting odds and prediction Sportsbooks opened Atlanta as a 5.5-point favorite with the total hovering at 233.5. The Pacers are 3-17 SU in their last 20 road games, while the Hawks are 7-3 O/U in their last ten meetings with Indiana in Atlanta, a trend fueled by high-tempo showdowns. Prediction: Hawks 120, Pacers 112 Best Bet: Hawks -5.5 – Indiana’s lack of rim protection and the possible absence of Haliburton should allow Young and Dejounte Murray to control the pace. If Porziņģis suits up, his spacing further tilts the matchup. How to watch & live stream • TV: Bally Sports Southeast (ATL), Bally Sports Indiana • Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market), Fubo, Hulu + Live TV (trial options available) • Radio: 92.9 FM The Game (ATL), 93.5 FM/107.5 FM The Fan (IND) Players to watch 1. Trae Young – Averaging 30.6 points and 11.4 assists over his last five outings, he’ll probe a Pacers defense surrendering 48.3% shooting to opponents. 2. Pascal Siakam – The mid-season acquisition is posting 24-9-5 since joining Indiana; his versatility keeps the Pacers competitive in spurts. 3. Onyeka Okongwu – With Clint Capela’s minutes down, Okongwu’s rim-running and switchability could neutralize Myles Turner on both ends. Stat nuggets • Indiana is 8-31 as an underdog this season, but a respectable 23-23 ATS overall thanks to late-game fight. • Atlanta’s bench outscores opponents by 5.4 points per 100 possessions, led by Bogdan Bogdanović’s microwave scoring. • The Pacers attempt 37.5 threes per game (11th), yet the Hawks allow opponents to hit 37.0% from deep, fifth-worst in the NBA. DFS sleepers • Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, ATL – averaging 14.8 points with 2.3 threes in his last six; sub-$5.5k on most sites. • Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, IND – could start at point if Haliburton sits, bringing 30-minute upside at minimal salary. Bottom line Expect fireworks in a nationally-quiet Monday slot that still offers bettors, streamers and DFS players plenty of angles. If Atlanta maintains its recent defensive effort and protects the ball, it should cover and tighten its grip on a postseason berth while Indiana focuses on internal growth and lottery ping-pong balls.