Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 20/12/2023, 06:20  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 20/12/2023 at 11:00 in NBA Prediction

The Indiana Pacers will welcome the Charlotte Hornets to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for an NBA encounter on Wednesday. The hosts are 13-12 and eighth in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 7-18 and 13th. 

Both teams enter this matchup on losing streaks, with the Charlotte Hornets falling 114-99 to the Raptors in their most recent game on Monday. Terry Rozier led the team with 22 points in that loss, which followed defeats against the Heat, Pelicans, and 76ers in quick succession. Offensively, the Hornets are averaging 111.0 points per game, ranking them 24th in the league, a long way below the 127 PPG their opponents tonight allow. However, defensively, the Hornets are facing major challenges, allowing an average of 120.7 points per game, placing them 25th in the NBA. While individual players like Lamelo Ball and Mark Williams have had strong performances this season, the team has yet to come together as a cohesive unit on the court.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers' winless streak includes losses against the Bucks, Wizards, Timberwolves, and Clippers. In their most recent game on Monday, the Pacers faced a 151-127 defeat against the Clippers, with Bennedict Mathurin scoring a team-high 34 points. Offensively, the Pacers have been excellent, leading the NBA with an impressive average of 127.4 points per game. This is 6.7 points more than what the Hornets allow on average (120.7). The team excels in shooting efficiency, boasting a league-leading 50.5% field goal percentage and a solid 37.6% from beyond the three-point line. However, the defensive aspect of the Pacers' game is a major problem, as they allow a league-worst 127.0 points per game. Andrew Nembhard is sidelined with an injury, while Jalen Smith and Myles Turner are uncertain for the upcoming game.