Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers Game Preview

The Hornets look to snap their four-game losing streak.

Author:
Karter Baughan
Mar 20, 2023 6:23 PM EDT

In this story:

Charlotte Hornets

Indiana Pacers

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS - OUT: LaMelo Ball (Ankle), Cody Martin (Knee), Mark Williams (Finger)

PACERS - OUT: Tyrese Haliburton (Knee), Kendall Brown (Lower Leg) QUESTIONABLE: Chris Duarte (Ankle), Benedict Mathurin (Ankle), Isaiah Jackson (Knee)

Game Preview

The Hornets face the Indiana Pacers in Charlotte on Monday night at 7 PM EST. The Hornets are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Charlotte has averaged 101.3 points per game while allowing 118.5 points per game to opposing teams in their last four games. The Pacers are 2-0 this season against the Hornets, they come into this matchup 3-2 in their last five games.

The Pacers are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference and are still competing for the final play-in spot. The Hornets have been officially eliminated from the playoffs and still sit 4th in the draft lottery odds. In the two matchups this season, the Hornets have given up an average of 120.5 points per game. Both teams have struggled to establish consistent playing groups due to injuries to rotation players. The Hornets have lost Williams, LaMelo and Martin while the Pacers are missing Haliburton, Mathruin and Duarte. Both teams suffered losses to the Philadelphia 76ers this past weekend and are looking for a bounce-back opportunity.

KEY MATCHUP: Myles Turner vs. Nick Richards

Myles Turner has averaged 24.5 points and 9.5 rebounds against the Hornets this season. Turner has played two games since returning from injury, in his last matchup against the 76ers he had 20 points and 5 rebounds. Nick Richards has been getting a lot more playing time in the absence of Mark Williams. Since Mark Williams's injury, opposing centers have been averaging 24.8 points and 11 rebounds per game. The Hornets will need to slow down Turner if they want to win this game.