Pacers vs Hornets Prediction
The Hornets will travel to Bankers Life Field House for the first play-in game in NBA history. The Pacers are currently placed as the 9th seed, while the Hornets take the 8th. Whoever wins this matchup will have a chance to make it into the top in the Eastern Conference against the loser of the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards. Look for the Pacers vs Hornets prediction down below.
The Hornets record is 33-39, and they have not played great basketball. They have dropped 5 in a row and are searching for answers. The Pacers are 5-5 in their last 10 contests and have just been an average team all year long with a record of 34-38.
The NBA has given the 9th and 10th seeds to make some magic happen in the playoffs, and both teams will have to work extremely hard to do so. They have to win two games in a row, just to face off against the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. This game will be a lot of fun to watch.
The Pacers Have Been Consistent But Not Great Enough
Indiana has three players on their roster that ended up averaging over 20 points a game. Malcolm Brogdon, Caris Levert, and Domantas Sabonis were the three to do so, which is very impressive in the NBA. Sabonis was the one all-star of the three and was able to carry the playmaking load for the Pacers all year.
The last game against the Toronto Raptors featured Domantas Sabonis with a 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists stat line. The big scorer of the night was Oshae Brissett, who was able to dominate with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Caris Levert chipped in 13 points in just 21 minutes of play.
Malcolm Brogdon’s last contest he played in was on April 29th. The Pacers are hopeful to have him back, but he is a game-time call against the Hornets. Sabonis is also questionable for Tuesday night with a bruised left quadricep. It would be hard to see him sit out in the game of the year for the Pacers.
Overall the Pacers had a good year, and if they are able to make it out of the play-in games, they could make a little bit of noise in the East. Indiana is just missing that one 3 and D piece who could propel them to some success in the playoffs. It will be a tough fight against these talented Hornets.
The Hornets Are A Blast to Watch, But Can They Compete Against the Beasts of the East
Whether it’s the flashy LaMelo Ball, the electric Terry Rozier, high-flyer Miles Bridges, or even hysterical announcer Eric Collins for the Hornets, there is no doubt they are fun to watch. We’ll be able to see how they fare against a fundamental Pacers team who has been good all year.
The Hornets have been on a losing streak of 5 games in a row and are in need of a big win to keep their season alive. The last game against the Washington Wizards was a tough loss with a final score of 110-115. Terry Rozier put up 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Lamelo Ball had a solid game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Hornets just didn’t have what it takes to stop Russel Westbrook and Bradley Beal down the stretch. Charlotte will have to lock it in against a sound Pacers core group who can dominate on the offensive side of the court.
If the Hornets want to compete, Lamelo Ball and Terry Rozier will have to continue to lead the way as they have all year long. Guys like Miles Bridges and Devonte Graham will have to step up and be efficiently productive if the Hornets want a shot in tonight’s game.
Pick and Prediction
The Indiana Pacers are -3 favorites against the Hornets. I think that there is an upset in the making and the Hornets will be able to stay within three and even win the game. Lamelo Ball will be ready to carry his team to the next round of the play-in. I’ll take the Hornets +3.
With that being said, Domantas Sabonis will still have an incredible game with a triple-double. I believe Lamelo Ball will drop 25 points and 10 assists to lead the Hornets to victory.
You can watch this game on TNT at 6:30 P.M. Eastern.
Pick: Hornets +3
