The Charlotte Hornets are set to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday, February 26. This matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The Hornets (28-31) enter this contest as one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference since the new year. Charlotte is coming off a dominant 131-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls, where Brandon Miller led the charge with 23 points. With LaMelo Ball orchestrating the offense and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel providing elite outside shooting, the Hornets are making a serious push for a top-eight seed.
On the other hand, the Pacers are struggling with a severely depleted roster that has seen them fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Following a 135–114 loss to the 76ers, Indiana is searching for answers on defense. Without their primary engine in Tyrese Haliburton, the team has leaned on Andrew Nembhard and Micah Potter to carry the scoring load.
The Hornets rely on their “Big Three” of Ball, Miller, and Knueppel to overwhelm opponents with pace and perimeter scoring. They also feature Moussa Diabaté as a defensive anchor in the paint, leading the team in rebounding. Charlotte’s ability to move the ball and find open shooters has made it one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league this month.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are looking for veteran leadership to steady a group of young prospects. Jarace Walker has shown flashes of brilliance as a playmaker and rebounder, while Jay Huff provides a shot-blocking presence at the rim. If Pascal Siakam remains sidelined, Indiana will need a career-best performance from their bench to keep pace with Charlotte’s high-octane attack.
What is the Head-to-Head Record of the Hornets vs. Pacers?
Historically, the Pacers hold the upper hand in this NBA matchup, having won 77 of 132 all-time regular-season meetings. Indiana has also dominated the 2025-26 season series so far, winning both previous encounters, including a narrow 114-112 victory back in January.
Projected Starting Lineups
Charlotte Hornets
- PG: LaMelo Ball
- SG: Kon Knueppel
- SF: Brandon Miller
- PF: Grant Williams/Cody Martin
- C: Ryan Kalkbrenner
Indiana Pacers
- PG: Andrew Nembhard
- SG: Kam Jones
- SF: Ben Sheppard
- PF: Jarace Walker
- C: Jay Huff
What Are The Injury Updates For The Hornets vs. Pacers Game?
Hornets
- Liam McNeeley (Out – Ankle)
- Miles Bridges (Out – Suspension)
- Moussa Diabaté (Out – Suspension)
Pacers
- Tyrese Haliburton (Out for Season – Achilles)
- Johnny Furphy (Out for Season – ACL)
- Ivica Zubac (Out – Ankle)
- Aaron Nesmith (Out – Ankle)
- Pascal Siakam (Doubtful – Wrist)
- Obi Toppin (Questionable – Foot)
What Are The Betting Odds For The Hornets vs. Pacers Game?
- Spread: Hornets -12.5
- Moneyline: Hornets -800 / Pacers +550
- Total (O/U): 229.5
- Score Prediction: Hornets 121 – Pacers 108
The NBA odds are subject to change.
