Key Highlights
- The Indiana Pacers face the Charlotte Hornets in a crucial matchup on Thursday.
- Pacers are 6-31 while Hornets stand at 13-24.
- BetMGM Sportsbook offers odds and predictions for the game.
- Key injuries include Pascal Siakam for Pacers and LaMelo Ball for Hornets.
- Pacers are favored to cover as underdogs but offer value in certain bets.
The Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Match-up
The Indiana Pacers (6-31) will face the Charlotte Hornets (13-24) on Thursday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern Time. This game promises to be a significant test for both teams, particularly for the struggling Pacers who are looking to turn their season around.
Pacers’ Struggles and Recent Performance
The Indiana Pacers have been on a downward spiral, losing 13 consecutive games after covering as 6.5-point home dogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite these setbacks, key players like Pascal Siakam continue to put up impressive performances. Siakam has averaged 26.3 points per game over the past month and is expected to be a crucial factor in this matchup.
Hornets’ Recent Form
The Hornets, while also underperforming with a record of 13-24, have shown flashes of brilliance. They recently won an unexpected road victory against the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder and followed it up with a close loss to the Toronto Raptors as slight favorites. Key players like LaMelo Ball are expected to be in focus for this game.
Key Injuries and Lineups
The Pacers will miss guard Tyrese Haliburton due to an Achilles injury, while forward Isaiah Jackson is also out with a concussion. Forward Bennedict Mathurin and guard Andrew Nembhard are questionable due to injuries. For the Hornets, guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is probable, but center Ryan Kalkbrenner and forward Mason Plumlee will miss the game.
Betting Analysis
The odds from BetMGM Sportsbook suggest that the Hornets are favored (-190), while the Pacers are +154. However, the spread is set at +4.5 for the Pacers and -4.5 for the Hornets, both with a line of -110.
Expert picks recommend taking the Hornets against the spread due to their recent form and the struggles of the Pacers. However, there are no clear moneyline plays available given the inconsistency of the Hornets’ performances.
Prediction and Over/Under
The prediction favors the Hornets by a score of 113-106. For the over/under bet, it’s advisable to take the UNDER at 232.5 due to the Pacers’ struggles on the road and the Hornets’ tendency towards lower-scoring games despite their recent high-scoring efforts.
The article concludes with a reminder of the importance of responsible gambling and links to more resources for sports betting enthusiasts.
For more in-depth analysis, follow @rdodsonsports on Twitter/X or visit SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Keep an eye out for updates from the official NBA injury report as well.