Hornets Face Quick Turnaround, Pacers Look to Avenge November Loss

Charlotte Hornets Face Quick Turnaround Against Indiana Pacers, Pacers Seek Revenge

This Sunday, the Charlotte Hornets (6-17) will head to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers (10-14) in an Eastern Conference showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After a dominant 115-102 win in Charlotte earlier this season, the Pacers will look to avenge that early-November loss as they try to build momentum following a recent victory. The game is set to tip off at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Charlotte Hornets: Battling Injuries and A Tough Schedule

The Charlotte Hornets enter this game amid a rough stretch, having dropped their last eight games. Despite facing off against Cleveland at home on Saturday, where they lost 116-102, Charlotte now faces the challenge of playing on short rest with a quick turnaround to face the Pacers on the road.

Brandon Miller, who has been the bright spot for the Hornets, scored 25 points against Cleveland, continuing his recent surge. As the team’s most consistent scorer, Miller has averaged 21.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1% from three-point range. He’s stepped up in the absence of key players like LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Tre Mann, all of whom are sidelined with injuries for this matchup. Over the past four games, Miller has scored 25 or more points, giving Hornets fans hope for the future despite their current struggles.

With Miller leading the charge, the Hornets’ scoring options are limited. The next best option is Cody Martin, who contributes only 8.5 points per game. Charlotte’s injury woes have forced them to rely on veterans like Taj Gibson, Josh Green, and Vasilije Micic in the lineup. Off the bench, DaQuan Jeffries added 17 points in the Cleveland game, and the center Mark Williams will also likely play a significant role in the frontcourt.

Offensively, Charlotte remains a threat from deep, ranking 3rd in the league with 16.0 three-pointers made per game. However, their defense continues to struggle, particularly in defending the three-point line, where they rank 18th in the NBA, allowing 13.7 threes per game. The Hornets also rank 23rd in possessions per game, which limits their ability to generate fast breaks or high-scoring opportunities.

Indiana Pacers: Looking for Redemption and Consistency

The Indiana Pacers have had an up-and-down season but are coming off a much-needed 132-123 victory over the Chicago Bulls, snapping a four-game losing streak. Despite their recent inconsistency, the Pacers remain a competitive team, led by the dynamic guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton, who struggled early this season, has found his rhythm and is now averaging 17.8 points and a team-high 8.4 assists per game. He’s also the Pacers’ most reliable three-point shooter, connecting on 3.0 threes per game at a rate of 34.3%.

The Pacers will also be leaning on Pascal Siakam, who has been their leading scorer at 20.2 points per game, alongside 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Siakam comes into this game on a strong note after scoring 21 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in the win over Chicago. Bennedict Mathurin, the emerging young star, has also played a key role, averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. Mathurin’s performance has helped fill the void left by the absence of Tyrese Haliburton in the starting lineup for much of last season, and he’s now firmly entrenched as a reliable scorer.

In the paint, Myles Turner continues to anchor the defense and provide a solid offensive presence, averaging 15.5 points and leading the Pacers with 2.1 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability remains a key asset for Indiana, though the team’s defensive struggles have persisted. The Pacers are currently 17th in defensive rating, and while they’re 9th in turnover percentage (forcing turnovers at a solid rate), they’ve allowed the 6th-most points per game in the league.

Indiana’s offense remains their strength, ranked 8th in the NBA in possessions per game, which allows them to run at a fast pace. Despite their offensive prowess, the Pacers’ defense remains a concern, as they rank 23rd in the league in defensive rating and are near the bottom in defending the three-point line (ranked 20th in three-pointers made per game allowed). To secure a win against Charlotte, the Pacers will need to focus on tightening up their defense and limiting easy scoring opportunities for the Hornets.

Conclusion

As the Charlotte Hornets continue to battle through injuries, their slim chances of competing for a playoff spot grow slimmer with each passing game. They will need Brandon Miller to continue his hot streak if they are to have any chance against a talented Pacers team. For Indiana, this game offers a prime opportunity to get back on track after a disappointing start to the season and avenge their earlier loss to Charlotte. With their offense running at full tilt, the Pacers will look to exploit Charlotte’s defensive inefficiencies, while the Hornets will hope their three-point shooting can keep them in the game.

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