Game Details:
Matchup: Hornets (18-55) vs. Pacers (43-31)
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Betting Line: Pacers -11.5 | Over/Under: 227.5

Key Storylines

Pacers Fighting for Playoff Positioning

Indiana enters tonight’s matchup holding onto a mid-tier playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, making this a must-win against a rebuilding Hornets team. With just eight games left in the regular season, every win counts for Tyrese Haliburton and company.

Hornets Building for the Future

Charlotte comes into the game at the bottom of the East standings. With LaMelo Ball still sidelined, the Hornets are focusing on development and player evaluation. Expect younger players like Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. to get extended run in this one.

Previous Meetings

The Pacers lead the season series 2-1. Their last win came in dominant fashion, 130-105, with Haliburton posting a double-double. Tonight gives Indiana a chance to fully take control of the head-to-head.

Injury Report

Hornets:
Out: LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back), Cody Martin (knee)
Questionable: Miles Bridges (hand)

Pacers:
Out: Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder)
Questionable: Andrew Nembhard (ankle)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Hornets: 30-41-2 ATS this season
Pacers: 38-34-2 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone over in 41 of Indiana’s 74 games
The total has gone under in 37 of Charlotte’s 73 games

Home & Road Splits:
Hornets are 7-30 on the road this season
Pacers are 23-14 at home

Player Props to Watch

Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Assists Total: 10.5
He’s hit double-digit assists in five straight games and should again against Charlotte’s weak backcourt defense.

Brandon Miller (Hornets) – Points Total: 18.5
The rookie has upped his shot volume with LaMelo and Bridges dealing with injuries. He’s averaging 19.8 PPG over his last five games.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Pacers -11.5 → Indiana needs this win and should handle business at home against a depleted Charlotte squad.

Total: Under 227.5 → While Indiana can score, Charlotte’s offensive limitations could keep this total just under.

Player Prop: Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 assists → Facing one of the worst assist defenses in the league gives this bet strong value.

Expect a strong performance from Indiana with their high-paced offense and playoff motivation. Charlotte will struggle to keep pace, especially if Bridges is ruled out. Home court advantage and superior depth should carry the Pacers to a comfortable win.

Final Score Prediction: Pacers 117, Hornets 101