Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Thu Jan 08 23:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Hornets Slight Favorites Over Pacers Despite Back-to-Back

The Story:
The Charlotte Hornets are set to host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, despite being on the second night of a back-to-back. The Pacers, struggling through a 13-game losing streak, lead the season series 1-0 after a previous win on November 19. Betting odds favor the Hornets, but analysts suggest caution due to their inconsistency. Expert picks include an over on LaMelo Ball’s combined points, rebounds, and assists, and a slight lean towards the Hornets covering a -4.5 spread. The under on the total points is also favored.

Key Points:
* The Charlotte Hornets are favored over the Indiana Pacers with odds of -190.
* The Pacers are on a 13-game losing streak.
* LaMelo Ball’s over/under for points+rebounds+assists is set at 28.5.
* The Hornets are -4.5 point favorites.
* The total points over/under is set at 232.5.
* The Pacers won the first game of the season series 127-118 on November 19.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context reveals a possible connection with Indiana-related sports, although not directly relevant to the NBA game. The mention of Andrew Nembhard’s injury is important and could be a reason for the Pacers’ poor performances.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hornets are favored despite their inconsistency and playing on a back-to-back, showcasing the Pacers’ struggles.
• Injury concerns, specifically Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers and the recent addition of Andrew Nembhard, are significantly impacting team performance and betting lines.
• Despite their poor record, the Pacers have a relatively strong against-the-spread record, indicating they often play close games even in losses.
• The betting analysis suggests a cautious approach, highlighting the unpredictability of both teams.

Impact Analysis:
The Pacers’ reliance on Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 26.3 PPG in January, indicates a significant shift in offensive strategy due to the absence of other key players. This concentration of scoring could make them predictable and easier to defend against in the long term. The impact is to limit the potential of Indiana’s attack by over-relying on Siakam.

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