The Charlotte Hornets will conclude their two-game homestand with a clash against the Indiana Pacers. Friday’s contest at the Spectrum Center marks the fourth and final meeting between the Eastern Conference teams, with the Pacers leading the season series 2-1.
The Pacers-Hornets clash is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). The live telecast will be available on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Fans can watch the contest via livestream on NBA League Pass and Fubo TV (restrictions may apply).
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Odds
Moneyline: Pacers (+750) vs Hornets (-1350)
Spread: Pacers +15.5 (-110) vs Hornets -15.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): O235.5 (-110) vs U235.5 (-110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of publication.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Preview and Prediction
The Indiana Pacers came out of the All-Star break in rough shape, losing 16 straight games. Lately, though, they have shown a bit of life, going 3-2 over their last five outings. That stretch includes wins over play-in contenders like the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
Even with that small turnaround, Indiana is still near the bottom of the standings. They are tied with the Brooklyn Nets at 18-58 and sit just one game ahead of the #15 Washington Wizards.
On the other side, the Charlotte Hornets have been on a tear since the break, boasting a 15-7 record. That run has pushed them up to the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. They are now only 1.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, putting them within reach of a guaranteed playoff spot.
Interestingly, the Pacers have had the edge in the season series so far, leading 2-1. They won the first matchup 127-118 on Nov. 19 and followed it up with another 114-112 win on Jan. 8. Pascal Siakam played a big role in both victories, averaging 26.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. The Hornets responded on Febr. 26 with a dominant 133-109 win, powered by Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller’s combined 61-point outing.
Looking at current form, motivation, and overall situation, Charlotte clearly has the advantage heading into this game. The Hornets still have something to fight for, while the Pacers are out of the playoff picture. Charlotte has also been solid at home with a 20-19 record, compared to Indiana’s struggles on the road at 7-31. On top of that, the Pacers are expected to be very shorthanded, while the Hornets are close to full strength.
Prediction: Expect the Hornets to win by 15 points.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Injury Reports
Indiana Pacers
- Andrew Nembhard – Out
- Jarace Walker – Out
- Obi Toppin – Game time decision
- Aaron Nesmith – Out
- T.J. McConnell – Out
- Pascal Siakam – Game time decision
- Ivica Zubac – Out
Charlotte Hornets
- PJ Hall – Game time decision
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Quenton Jackson, SG: Ben Sheppard, SF: Kobe Brown, PF: Pascal Siakam, C: Jay Huff
Charlotte Hornets
PG: LaMelo Ball, SG: Kon Knueppel, SF: Brandon Miller, PF: Miles Bridges, C: Moussa Diabate
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