The Charlotte Hornets (26-22) travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday to take on the Indiana Pacers (17-31). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Pacers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Hornets are coming off a brutal 12-point loss to the Raptors in a game in which they closed as 1-point favorites.
Charlotte has lost two straight. However, they’ve covered seven of its last 10. The Hornets are one of the league’s surprise teams this season but are just 13-15 on the road.
As for the Pacers, they’ll once again play significantly short-handed. Still owning a 12-12 home record, Indiana is 23-22-3 against the spread (ATS) this season.
Indiana is 6-3-1 ATS over the last 10 games. This will be the Pacers’ seventh straight game as underdogs.
Hornets at Pacers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:21 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Hornets -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Pacers +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets -1.5 (-115) | Pacers +1.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Hornets at Pacers key injuries
Hornets
- SF Gordon Hayward (foot) questionable
- SF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out
Pacers
- C Myles Turner (foot) out
- F Domantas Sabonis (ankle) out
- G Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) out
- G T.J. McConnell (health and safety protocols) out
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Hornets at Pacers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Hornets 118, Pacers 111
Money line
PASS on the money line. I’d prefer taking the dimes on the dollar and playing the Hornets spread. The Pacers are just too banged up to bet on.
Against the spread
BET on the HORNETS -1.5 (-115).
This is probably my favorite play in this game.
Indiana ranks 17th in opponents’ points per game and 23rd in opponents’ field goal percentage. One thing the Hornets know how to do is get shots up. The Hornets rank third in field goals.
One also must consider the Pacers’ best rim protector is out. Playing against a team that ranks second in fastbreak points, the Pacers are going to struggle to keep this game at a slow pace.
Couple that with the Pacers’ poor 3-point shooting (25th in three-point percentage), and Indiana may struggle offensively. Also, what Indiana does best, rebounding, the Hornets don’t rely on much.
Meaning, Charlotte already sits in the bottom third of the league in offensive rebounding. The Hornets get their points in transition, where the absence of Turner will be felt.
Over/Under
Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 227.5 (-108).
The Hornets are going to pick the pace up, already ranking second in pace, and without much help stopping them, Charlotte should dictate how this game is played.
Similarly, the Pacers, without Sabonis, their leading scorer, have actually thrived offensively. They’ve topped 110 points per game in three of their last four games. Indiana is 14-10 O/U at home this season.
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