The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113-93, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.

The Pelicans (21-12) found out that Zion Williamson would miss a third consecutive game a few hours before tipoff, with the big man being held out for conditioning reasons after missing the prior two contests in COVID-19 protocols. That, plus the ongoing absence of Brandon Ingram (toe) didn't seem to faze New Orleans early, however, as the hosts owned a 19-point lead by halftime over the Pacers (17-17) on the strength of a 57-point first half. With the advantage up to 28 points going into the final period, Indiana's 31-23 fourth-quarter edge was meaningless.

Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 15 points, complementing them with two assists, one rebound and one steal. Myles Turner posted 14 points, eight boards, two blocks and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield provided matching 12-point tallies, with Haliburton also recording six assists and two steals among his other contributions. Aaron Nesmith delivered 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Naji Marshall paced the Pelicans with a career-high 22 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. C.J. McCollum finished with 19 points, seven boards, six assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes furnished 15 points, nine boards, two assists and three blocks. Devonte' Graham totaled 11 points, four assists and three rebounds.

The Pacers return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night as well.