NBA 2025-2026: Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
Indiana Pacers
Home Team
47.6%
115.8 pts
VS
Charlotte Hornets
Away Team
52.4%
116.5 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Charlotte Hornets are predicted to edge out a victory over the Indiana Pacers with a probability of 52.4%. The anticipated score line sees the Hornets narrowly outperforming the Pacers with a predicted score of 116.5 to 115.8. Expected to start for the Pacers are Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, Pascal Siakam, and Isaiah Jackson. The Hornets are likely to field LaMelo Ball, Sion James, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Ryan Kalkbrenner as their starting five.
Game Analysis
Both teams have struggled recently, with each coming off a trio of losses. The Pacers have been outscored significantly, with their most recent defeats against the Pistons, Raptors, and Suns showing a troubling trend of conceding over 125 points per game. In contrast, the Hornets' losses, including a high-scoring close encounter against the Bucks, suggest issues in closing out games rather than outright defensive lapses.
Looking at the starting lineups, the Pacers' offensive capabilities are spearheaded by Bennedict Mathurin, who holds an impressive offensive rating of 129.7 and averages 29 points per game. Meanwhile, the Hornets' offense is led by the dynamic duo of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, both averaging over 22 points per game, with Bridges boasting a solid offensive rating of 119.7. Defensively, however, both teams have room for improvement, with the Pacers' defensive ratings suggesting vulnerabilities that the Hornets' balanced offense might exploit.
Final Prediction
The Charlotte Hornets have a slight edge due to their potentially more potent and balanced offensive lineup, which could capitalize on the Pacers' defensive frailties. A key factor to watch will be how well the Hornets can maintain their offensive rhythm and whether the Pacers can tighten their defense to disrupt this flow. This matchup promises to be a closely contested affair with each team's ability to execute under pressure likely determining the outcome.