The Indiana Pacers will take on the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The Pacers have had a challenging start to the season with a record of 6-31. Led by Head Coach Rick Carlisle, they are currently ranked 15th in the Eastern Conference.
The Charlotte Hornets hold a 13-24 record at the beginning of the regular season. Under Head Coach Charles Lee, they stand 12th in the Eastern Conference. The game will be televised on FDSI, and fans are eager to see how both teams perform in this early season contest.
Indiana Pacers Team Preview
The Indiana Pacers have recently faced a tough stretch of games, dropping their last three outings. In their most recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they lost 120-116. Pascal Siakam led the team with 22 points, although the Pacers struggled to contain the Cavaliers’ offense.
Offensively, the Pacers are averaging 110.8 points per game, ranking them 28th in the league. They have had difficulties with field goal shooting, with a league-low percentage of 44.1. The team also needs to improve their rebounding, as they rank 24th with 42.5 rebounds per game.
Injuries are affecting the Pacers’ lineup, with key players like Tyrese Haliburton out for the season. Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin are also sidelined. As a result, players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith will need to step up in their upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets Team Preview
The Charlotte Hornets have shown mixed results in their recent games. They had a close loss to the Toronto Raptors, 97-96, where their field goal percentage was 39.0%. Earlier, they had strong wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls, scoring 124 and 112 points, respectively.
The Hornets have had a solid offensive season with 115.5 points per game, ranking them 18th in the league. They are strong at shooting three-pointers, making 15.1 per game, which ranks them fourth. Their defense, however, allows 117.3 points per game, placing them at 20th.
Key players for the Hornets include Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and LaMelo Ball. Miller is currently questionable due to a knee injury, affecting his availability. The team also faces challenges with other injured players, such as Mason Plumlee and Grant Williams, who are out with surgeries.
Betting Prediction
The Hornets have a solid advantage in their three-point shooting. They rank 4th in three-pointers made per game, while the Pacers struggle with their three-point defense. The Hornets’ ability to score from beyond the arc could be key in this game.
Defensively, the Hornets allow fewer points per game compared to the Pacers. The Pacers rank low in defensive efficiency, allowing 119.7 points per game. This difference in defensive capabilities gives the Hornets an edge.
The Hornets are also strong in rebounding, ranking 11th in rebounds per game. In contrast, the Pacers rank 24th in rebounds per game. This could lead to more second-chance points for the Hornets, impacting the game’s outcome.
- Pick: Hornets -3.5
