Indiana’s Pascal Siakam went 1-on-1 against Boston’s Derrick White as time was running out, backed into him a couple of times near the foul line, spun into the lane and then watched his shot kiss off the backboard and fall for what became a game-winner.

For the Pacers, it was joy.

There hasn’t been much of that this season.

Monday night’s 98-96 victory over the Celtics — one where Boston coach Joe Mazzulla answered every question in his postgame news conference by saying “illegal screen” — sent Indiana’s record to just 9-31 on the season, still the worst in the Eastern Conference. And that’s even with the Pacers now on a three-game winning streak.

It’s a far cry from seven months ago, when Indiana was in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and fully believing it was about to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder for the title. Then Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the first half, Myles Turner left in free agency and … well, everything is different.

Except, that is, for Siakam. He was an All-Star last season, his third selection to the league’s showcase game, and has even better numbers this season. And with the debut of another new All-Star format this season — U.S. vs. the World — the forward from Cameroon is hoping to get another invite.

“It’s going to be an honor if it happens,” Siakam said. “I’m not too focused on it. I just try to be the best player that I could be out there every single night. Some nights are going to be great. Some nights are not. But I just stick to the work and hopefully it comes with some accomplishments.”

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle has been campaigning. Siakam’s heroics on Monday night made it easy to keep it going.

“Just further makes the case for the All-Star team,” Carlisle said.

Siakam is averaging 23.5 points and 6.8 rebounds; only nine other players right now have numbers like that per game in both categories. It could be argued that he’s putting up those numbers for a team where he’s often the go-to option with Haliburton out for the year, and that’s fair. But Carlisle also points out that Siakam is leading by example, helping young players in new roles as the Pacers try to figure out who can best help them going forward.

“Pascal Siakam is one of the favorite players I’ve ever been around at any level,” Carlisle said. “He’s just amazing.”

The Pacers beat Sacramento on Dec. 8 for what was their sixth win of the season and the 999th in Carlisle’s career as a head coach. The milestone celebration was looming. The Pacers went into the next game wondering if that would be the night. It wasn’t. They did the same the next game. Again, it wasn’t. And so on. And so on. And so on. They lost 13 in a row. Carlisle was stuck on 999 wins for a month. It was Jan. 8 when the streak was snapped and the celebration finally happened.

“It took way too long,” Siakam said. “Yeah, too long. I mean, I think it was great, obviously, because he’s an amazing coach. It’s a great honor for him. And again, we’ve been trying not to think about it too much, but obviously, we’ve lost a lot of games. There’s just too much losing for my liking and for the liking of the team. So, I’m glad that we got that out of the way and hopefully we don’t find ourselves in that situation ever again.”

The Pacers are 3-0 since that losing streak. Siakam — a champion with Toronto in 2019 — has no delusions about what the rest of the season may bring. Haliburton will be back next season and Indiana should be vastly improved. Siakam isn’t thinking about that yet, though. For now, it’s just about what happens each day, with this team, and this three-game streak is a reminder that work is paying off.

“Definitely one of the most challenging years for me, I think, on the court and also even emotionally,” Siakam said. “All I really want is to win. And I’ve been so used to being in a winning situation, so this situation, it’s hard. It’s tough.”

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Around The NBA analyzes the biggest topics in the NBA during the season.

Indiana and Miami will face off in the national championship game in a matchup between unlikely foes.

The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0), ranked No. 19 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, has dominated nearly everyone they’ve faced this season and are coming off a 56-22 win over Oregon and a 38-3 win over Alabama to reach the title game.

Meanwhile, the No. 10 Hurricanes (13-2) are amid an impressive run of their own. After nearly missing out on a College Football Playoff bid, Miami has upset Texas A&M on the road and taken down Ohio State and Ole Miss to set up a bout with Indiana.

‘From the outhouse to the penthouse.’ Indiana isn’t Cinderella. It’s a bully

The national championship game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the Hurricanes play their home games. Indiana’s fan base has traveled in droves for its two CFP games, though.

Who’s going to come out on top? Here are the latest odds along with the matchups to watch in the national championship game.

Indiana vs Miami national championship game odds

Odds from BetMGM as of Jan. 12.

Indiana is favored against Miami in the 2025-26 national championship game. Here are the latest odds.

• Spread: Indiana (-8.5)
• Over/under: 48.5
• Moneyline: Indiana -350 | Miami +270

National championship game Indiana vs Miami matchups to watch

Fernando Mendoza vs. Miami pass rush

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been outstanding in the CFP, with eight touchdowns to only five incompletions in two starts against Alabama and Oregon. Miami’s pass rush has been the most dominant in the CFP, though.

The Hurricanes are led by edge duo Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, both of which are projected first-round picks. The duo has 19 combined sacks this season, including 7.5 of which have come in the CFP. Defensive back Keionte Scott has also been a weapon defensively, with two sacks and a forced fumble against Texas A&M and a 72-yard pick-six against Ohio State.

Mendoza has rarely been sped up this season by an opposing defense, and Indiana’s offensive line has allowed 22 sacks this season. If Miami is able to win, it’s likely due to its best two defensive players causing havoc.

Can Carson Beck find success through the air?

Miami quarterback Carson Beck wasn’t asked to do much in wins against Texas A&M and Ohio State, passing for a combined 241 yards with two combined touchdowns. However, he was a huge reason the Hurricanes won against Ole Miss, as he passed for 268 yards with two touchdowns while rushing for a game-winning score in the final seconds of the game.

Beck will have to play similar to how he did against the Rebels against Indiana’s tough defense, which ranks No. 4 nationally in total defense (260.9 yards per game).

Beck, a sixth-year senior, might need to play one of his best games of his career against the Hoosiers, who pair two of the best offensive and defensive units in college football this season.

Indiana receivers vs. Miami secondary

Indiana’s trio of Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr. and Charlie Becker have been next-to impossible to stop in the CFP, and pose a huge challenge with their speed and length.

Sarratt, who stands 6-2, leads the country with 15 touchdown receptions this season and caught two scores against Oregon in the Peach Bowl. Cooper Jr. leads the team with 64 receptions for 866 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, and has been the Hoosiers’ best middle-of-the-field attacker.

Becker, the 6-4 sophomore, has emerged of late as Indiana’s best deep threat. He climbed the ladder for a 36-yard touchdown reception against Oregon, and has gains of 30, 36 and 51 yards in Indiana’s past three games.

Miami has been very solid against the pass this season, ranking No. 17 nationally allowing a passing efficiency of 114.70.

Indiana vs Miami predictions in national championship game

Here are our expert predictions for Indiana vs. Miami in the national championship game:

Austin Curtright: Indiana 24, Miami 23

It’s wild to think Indiana was coming off a 3-9 finish in 2023 when it hired Curt Cignetti, who led James Madison from FCS to FBS during his tenure. The Hoosiers, one of the worst Power Four college football programs historically, have accomplished one of the greatest turnarounds of the modern era, regardless of if they defeat Miami in the national championship.

It won’t be easy for Indiana. Miami is playing its best football at the right time and has the most ferocious pass rush in the sport, holding Ole Miss’ high-powered offense to two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl. 

Ultimately, I trust Indiana’s veteran roster, along with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has the edge over opposing quarterback Carson Beck. Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor will make things tough for the projected No. 1 overall pick, though.

Give me the Hoosiers on a last-second score, resulting in an unprecedented title for the former Big Ten doormat-turned college football power of the future.

Kevin Skiver: Indiana 24, Miami 10

When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, we find out which one of those things is actually true. In this case, the staunch Hurricanes finally budge and Indiana — yes, Indiana — stands atop the college football world when the dust settles.

Picking against Miami hasn’t done anyone any favors to this point, but Indiana has carved out a war path. It has met every stumbling block head-on. A long layover before the Rose Bowl? Not a problem, 38-3 over Alabama. A difficult rematch against Oregon? Try 56-22 in a game that saw Oregon score a garbage time touchdown to even make it that “close.” Fernando Mendoza has been all but perfect, and his offensive line has neutralized everything in front of it.

That brings us to Miami. Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor are the best pass rushing duo Indiana has seen this year. But Indiana’s Joe Moore finalist line has given Mendoza all of the time he needs and then some to find Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., not even to mention Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby in the running game. It’s pretty simple: Indiana has simply been better than everyone it has played this year. Why should that change in the final game of the season?

Matt Glenesk: Indiana 35, Miami 24

Miami’s swagger and physicality will test Indiana’s seeming invincibility. The Hurricanes’ pass rush will be the key because Fernando Mendoza has been absolutely surgical in two CFP games: eight touchdowns, five incompletions. Read that again. Eight touchdowns. Five incompletions. Miami’s run game should be able to keep the Hoosiers’ offense off the field, but Indiana’s efficiency doesn’t really rely on them needing the ball too much. As part of the nation’s largest alumni base, I can’t pick against Indiana. Having endured years of ineptitude, the layers of scar tissue are starting to heal as belief has turned into expectation. I expect Indiana to win every game now. And yes, that includes a national championship. Is this real life?

What time does the national championship game start?

• Date: Monday, Jan. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

The 2026 CFP national championship game is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday, Jan. 19.

Where is CFP national championship game?

• Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)

The national title game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, which is coincidentally the home stadium for the Hurricanes. The venue is also home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

What TV channel is CFP national championship game on?

The CFP national championship game, like the vast majority of the playoff, will air live on ESPN. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.