If momentum carries over from one game to the next, it should be a positive factor for both the Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets as they meet on Friday night.
Charlotte broke their three-game losing streak with a thrilling 108-107 victory against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Brandon Miller rebounded teammate Grant Williams’ missed shot and scored just before the buzzer to secure the win. This marked only their third win in eight games.
Indiana has won three of its last four games. With victories in their last two outings, the Pacers have their first winning streak of the season. Six Indiana players scored 15 or more points in their 118-111 win against the visiting Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Pacers shot 53.9 percent from the field and made 24 of 26 free-throw attempts. Walker delivered a season-high 17 points, surpassing his total of 11 points in the previous five games combined. Bennedict Mathurin was 13-for-14 at the foul line and grabbed 11 rebounds from his guard position.
Charlotte had a perfect 16-for-16 effort on free throws in their most recent game. Forward Miles Bridges had a standout performance with 27 points against the Pistons. Getting him to produce consistently has been a focus for Charlotte. He matched his season-high point total, scoring more than 16 points for just the second time this season.
The Hornets are adjusting their front court after losing center Nick Richards to a fractured rib. They started 39-year-old Taj Gibson on Wednesday night, who contributed seven points and four rebounds in 15 minutes.
Cody Martin, who was questionable due to illness, played 28 minutes off the bench. Star guard LaMelo Ball also played despite being listed as questionable with ankle soreness earlier in the day.
The Pacers are 2-3 on the road, with center Myles Turner leading the team in scoring in two of those away games.
