Game Preview
The Indiana Pacers (10-14) return home to host the struggling Charlotte Hornets (6-16) on Sunday night. The Pacers are riding a modest one-game win streak, while the Hornets have dropped seven straight contests heading into this matchup.
On the season, Indiana has been scoring at a solid clip, averaging nearly 120 points per game. However, their defense has been shaky, allowing opponents to hover around the same mark of 118 points. The Pacers have shot a respectable 48.5 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc, while grabbing just over 42 rebounds per contest.
Over their last five games, the Pacers have seen an uptick in scoring at 138.4 points per game, fueled by improved shooting percentages of 48.1 percent overall and 38.8 percent on threes. Their rebounding has also spiked to 47.6 boards per game during this stretch. However, turnovers have been an issue, averaging a concerning 18.2 giveaways over the last five contests.
On the other side, the Hornets have struggled mightily this season, sitting at just 6-16. Their offensive woes have been glaring, scoring a shade above 111 points per game on 42.7 percent shooting from the field. Charlotte has been outrebounded, corralling under 47 boards per game, while dishing out just 24 assists on average.
The Hornets' recent form has been particularly concerning, dropping all five of their last games. While they've scored 120.4 points per game in that span, their defense has allowed opponents to score nearly 108 points per night. Charlotte's shooting percentages have dipped to 40.9 percent overall and 35.9 percent from deep over the last five contests.
With the Pacers finding their offensive rhythm and the Hornets mired in a lengthy slump, Indiana will be heavily favored on their home floor. Charlotte's inability to slow down opposing offenses could prove costly against the high-scoring Pacers, who have shown a renewed commitment on the glass in recent games. If the Hornets' shooting struggles persist, it could be a long night for the visitors in Indianapolis.