The Indiana Pacers travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets in an NBA regular-season matchup on April 3, 2026. Both teams enter the game with very different motivations as the season approaches its final weeks. Charlotte are firmly in the race for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference and are looking to strengthen their standing after a strong victory over the Phoenix Suns. Indiana, meanwhile, are enduring a difficult season but have recently shown signs of improvement with some impressive offensive performances.
Charlotte have built momentum over the past few games and are climbing the Eastern Conference standings thanks to their attacking style of play. Their recent win over Phoenix showed the team’s ability to dominate games through quick scoring bursts and strong perimeter shooting. Indiana, on the other hand, have struggled throughout the campaign but have recently surprised opponents with victories against teams like Miami and Chicago. Despite their poor overall record, the Pacers have managed to score heavily in several recent contests, which could make this matchup more competitive than the standings suggest. With Charlotte aiming to continue their winning run and Indiana trying to build on recent success, the game at Spectrum Center is expected to feature an entertaining offensive battle.
Match Information
| Match | Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 April 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Spectrum Center, Charlotte |
| Competition | NBA Regular Season |
| Pacers Record | 18-58 |
| Hornets Record | 41-36 |
Current Team Form
Charlotte are currently playing some of their best basketball of the season. The Hornets have won two games in a row and recently produced an impressive 127-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Their offense has been flowing well, especially in transition situations and perimeter scoring.
Indiana’s season has been difficult overall, but their recent form has improved slightly. The Pacers have won three of their last five games and managed back-to-back victories against Miami and Chicago. Their offense has been productive during this stretch, although defensive struggles remain a major concern.
Last 5 Games
| Team | Last 5 Results |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | W vs Suns, W vs Nets, L vs Celtics, L vs 76ers, W vs Knicks |
| Indiana Pacers | W vs Bulls, W vs Heat, L vs Clippers, L vs Lakers, W vs Magic |
Charlotte enter the matchup with stronger momentum, but Indiana have recently shown the ability to compete offensively.
Head-to-Head Record
The Hornets and Pacers have shared a competitive rivalry over the years, with several close matchups.
| Matches Played | Hornets Wins | Pacers Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 24 | 28 |
Their most recent meeting ended with a dominant Charlotte victory, as the Hornets defeated Indiana by a large margin earlier this season.
Also see: Timberwolves vs 76ers prediction: Last Games, Injury Report
Key Player Statistics
Several players could have a major influence on the outcome of the game.
| Player | Team | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | Leading scorer and offensive leader |
| Obi Toppin | Pacers | Energetic scorer and rebounder |
| Miles Bridges | Hornets | Offensive playmaker |
| LaMelo Ball | Hornets | Playmaking guard |
| Moussa Diabate | Hornets | Rebounding and defensive presence |
Obi Toppin has recently delivered consistent scoring performances and could be one of Indiana’s main scoring options in this matchup.
Injury Report
| Indiana Pacers | Status |
|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | Out |
| T.J. McConnell | Out |
| Andrew Nembhard | Out |
| Jarace Walker | Out |
| Johnny Furphy | Out |
| Ivica Zubac | Out |
| Pascal Siakam | Probable |
| Obi Toppin | Probable |
| Jalen Slawson | Doubtful |
| Charlotte Hornets | Status |
|---|---|
| PJ Hall | Questionable |
| Grant Williams | Questionable |
Indiana are dealing with several major injuries, especially in the backcourt, which could limit their offensive organization.
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
| Category | Pacers | Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Average Points | Around 121 PPG | Around 119 PPG |
| Defensive Performance | Struggles defensively | More balanced defense |
| Three-Point Shooting | Around mid-table | Among league leaders |
Indiana can score quickly, but their defensive issues often allow opponents to exploit mismatches. Charlotte’s balanced approach gives them an advantage on both ends of the court.
Player Prop Picks
| Player Prop | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Obi Toppin Points | Over 9.5 |
| Moussa Diabate Rebounds + Assists | Over 11.5 |
Toppin has gone over this scoring line in several recent games and continues to receive more opportunities due to injuries within Indiana’s lineup.
Betting Odds Overview
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Hornets -15.5 |
| Moneyline | Hornets -1350 / Pacers +800 |
| Total Points | Around 234 |
Charlotte enter the game as heavy favorites due to Indiana’s injuries and overall record.
Match Prediction
Charlotte appear to have the stronger roster and greater motivation heading into this contest. Their offense has been efficient in recent games, and playing at home gives them an additional advantage. The Hornets also benefit from a deeper lineup, which allows them to maintain scoring pressure throughout the game.
Indiana’s offense has improved recently, and the Pacers have shown that they can score points against almost any opponent. However, their defensive problems and long injury list create major challenges. Without key guards like Haliburton and McConnell, Indiana’s ability to control the pace of the game becomes limited.
Charlotte’s attacking style and strong perimeter shooting should allow them to control the game early. Indiana may still keep the game relatively competitive thanks to their scoring ability, but Charlotte’s overall depth and form make them the stronger team in this matchup.
Best Picks for the Game
| Pick Type | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | Charlotte Hornets |
| Spread Pick | Pacers +15.5 |
| Total Points | Over 233.5 |
| Player Prop | Obi Toppin Over 9.5 Points |
Predicted Score
| Team | Score Prediction |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | 124 |
| Indiana Pacers | 111 |
Charlotte’s offensive strength and home advantage could help them secure another important victory while continuing their push toward the playoff positions.







