Indiana Pacers (10-14) vs Charlotte Hornets (6-17)
December 8, 2024 at 05:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Indiana Pacers -11.5 — Over/Under: 223.5
The Charlotte Hornets and the Indiana Pacers duke it out at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday night. Here’s a Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction. This article will include a Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers Pick.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have been doing it tough as they’ve lost 10 of their last 11 games overall and they will be hoping to arrest an eight-game losing streak after getting trampled by the Cavaliers in a 116-102 loss yesterday afternoon. Brandon Miller led the team with 25 points, DaQuan Jeffries added 17 points off the bench, while Josh Green chipped in with 16 points on six of 13 shooting. As a team, the Hornets shot 43 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line, but they couldn’t match the Cavaliers early on and were always fighting a losing battle after getting outscored by 40-18 in the first quarter. Cody Martin had a rough game as he finished with just four points on two of nine shooting from the field.
Indiana Pacers
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers were really struggling during their four-game skid, but they will be feeling much better after taking down the Bulls in a 132-123 road win on Friday. Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 23 points and eight assists, Pascal Siakam added 21 points, Bennedict Mathurin scored 19 points, while Obi Toppin chipped in with 17 points off the bench. As a team, the Pacers shot a healthy 56 percent from the field and 18 of 30 from the 3-point line, but this win was set up with defense as they were always in control after restricting the Bulls to just 19 points in the second quarter to open a 16-point lead.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Hornets have lost each of their last eight road games.
- The Pacers have won seven of their last eight home games against Southeast Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in five of their last six games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 11 games as road underdogs against Central Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last seven games against the Pacers following a home loss has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Pacers’ last six home games against Southeast Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Indiana Pacers Player Facts
- Tyrese Haliburton ranks 3rd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for assists per game (8.4) this season.
- Pascal Siakam ranks 28th amongst qualified players for FG% (52.8%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pacers rank 30th for second-chance points per game (9.8) this season.
- The Pacers rank 28th in the league for rebounds per game this season (40.2).
- The Hornets rank 30th in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (18.1).
- The Hornets have missed the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons – the longest active streak in the NBA
Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
The Hornets are still missing Tidjane Salaun, while the Pacers have ruled out Aaron Nesmith again and they have Andrew Nembhard listed as questionable. The Hornets haven’t been able to get going at all this season and things will only get tougher for them now that LaMelo Ball is injured on the sidelines, but I just can’t trust the Pacers to cover such a hefty spread. Sure, the Pacers should be good enough to get the win at home, but I just don’t think they should be so heavily favored against anyone until they play with more consistency.