Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
Venue: Spectrum Center, 333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202. This 19,077-capacity arena, opened in 2005, is the home of the Charlotte Hornets and known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially in the lower bowl. It’s located in Uptown Charlotte, providing easy access via public transit and featuring modern amenities like high-definition video boards. The court favors up-tempo play, which could benefit the Hornets’ transition game in this matchup.
Recent Team Forms
The Pacers are in freefall, while the Hornets have gained some momentum with back-to-back road wins. Here’s a recap of their last five games (most recent first), including scores, opponents, and key notes:
Indiana Pacers (0-5 in last 5; streak: L13 overall):
Loss 127-135 at Orlando (Jan 6; allowed 135 points, highlighting defensive woes).
Loss 108-128 vs Atlanta (Jan 4; poor shooting at 44.1% FG).
Loss 109-114 vs Golden State (Jan 1; close but couldn’t close out).
Loss 115-117 vs Milwaukee (Dec 30; overtime heartbreaker).
Loss 103-112 vs Brooklyn (Dec 28; low-scoring struggle). Indiana averages just 106.2 PPG over this stretch while allowing 123.2, with a -17.0 net rating. Their 13-game skid is the longest active in the NBA, exacerbated by key absences.
Charlotte Hornets (2-3 in last 5; streak: W2):
Win 124-97 at Oklahoma City (Jan 5; dominant road upset, held OKC to 97 points).
Win 112-99 at Chicago (Jan 3; strong defense, limited Bulls to 99).
Loss 103-116 at Brooklyn (Jan 1; offensive struggles).
Loss 104-119 at New York (Dec 30; blown out on the road).
Win 111-86 at Toronto (Dec 28; blowout victory to snap a skid). Charlotte has averaged 114.4 PPG in wins but just 103.5 in losses, with a recent defensive uptick (allowing 99.5 PPG in last two). Their home form has been shaky (on a 3-game home skid), but road wins provide hope.
Series History
The Pacers hold a historical edge, but recent games have been competitive and often high-scoring. All-time, Indiana leads 76-56 in regular-season matchups (77-56 including playoffs). In the last 10 meetings, the Pacers are 6-4, with an average total of 228.5 points.
Previous Meeting (2025-26 Season): November 19, 2025 – Pacers 127, Hornets 118 (at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis). Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 32 points, while LaMelo Ball had 28 for Charlotte in a fast-paced affair (total 245 points).
Other Recent Games: April 2, 2025 – Pacers 119-105; December 8, 2024 – Hornets 109-113 (Hornets win); November 8, 2024 – Pacers 103-83. Games are typically decided by single digits (average margin 9.2 points in last 5), with the over hitting in 7 of 10.
Charlotte seeks revenge at home, where they’ve split the last four series games.
Injury Report
Injuries have ravaged both teams, particularly the Pacers, contributing to their skid. Updates as of January 8, 2026 (morning report; subject to change):
Indiana Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton (PG): Out – Torn right Achilles tendon (season-ending; key playmaker absent since early season).
Isaiah Jackson (PF/C): Out – Concussion (questionable return; defensive anchor missing).
Bennedict Mathurin (SG): Out – Knee injury (long-term; scoring wing sidelined).
Obi Toppin (PF): Out – Undisclosed (recent addition; impacts bench depth). The Pacers’ injury list has forced reliance on Pascal Siakam and young role players, thinning their rotation to 8-9 healthy bodies.
Charlotte Hornets:
Brandon Miller (SF): Questionable – Knee (day-to-day; if out, hurts scoring depth; has missed multiple games this season).
Grant Williams (PF): Out – Knee (expected back Jan 12; versatile defender absent).
Ryan Kalkbrenner (C): Out – Elbow (day-to-day; rookie big man sidelined).
Mason Plumlee (C): Out – Groin (post-surgery; reevaluated in six weeks; backup center role filled by others). Charlotte’s core (Ball, Bridges) is intact, but frontcourt depth is tested.
Key Player Matchups
With stars out, these battles could swing the game in a projected defensive struggle:
Pascal Siakam (IND, PF) vs. Miles Bridges (CHA, SF/PF): Siakam (team-high 22 PPG recently) is Indiana’s lone consistent scorer; Bridges (25 PPG in recent win) must contain his drives while providing offense. Advantage: Bridges’ athleticism at home.
LaMelo Ball (CHA, PG) vs. Andrew Nembhard (IND, PG): Ball (averaging 28 PPG in recent games) thrives in transition; Nembhard steps up with Haliburton out but lacks Ball’s explosiveness. If Ball exploits mismatches, Charlotte pulls away.
Tidjane Salaun (CHA, F) vs. Jarace Walker (IND, F): Young forwards in expanded roles due to injuries; Salaun’s defense could limit Walker’s rebounding (Pacers weak on boards at 41.5 RPG).
Expect Charlotte’s healthier backcourt to dominate, with Kon Kneuppel (28 PPG in last preview mention) emerging as a x-factor.
Betting Trends
Indiana Pacers: 12-25 ATS overall (32.4%); 5-12 ATS on the road. They’ve gone under in 8 of last 10 (low-scoring losses), and as underdogs, they’re 4-27 SU but 10-17 ATS. During 13-game skid, averages 105.8 PPG scored vs. 122.5 allowed.
Charlotte Hornets: 19-18 ATS (51.4%); 9-9 ATS at home. Over has hit in 6 of last 10, but recent wins trended under (e.g., 124-97 total 221). As favorites, 7-3 SU but 5-5 ATS; 4-1 ATS in last 5 overall.
Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 7 of last 10 (avg. 228.5 points); Pacers 6-4 SU in last 10, but Hornets 3-2 at home. Underdogs covered in 6 of 10.
League-Wide: NBA unders are hitting at 55% in low-scoring games involving injured teams; Eastern Conference matchups average 225.5 points this season.
Game Odds
Indiana Pacers 231.5
Charlotte Hornets – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026
