How To Watch Indiana Pacers-Charlotte Hornets, Lineups, Injury Report, Betting Lines & More

A preview of Thursday’s NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets.

Nov 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) holds the ball while Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

 

The Indiana Pacers are an underdog again, marking the 12th time on this 13-game run of losses they’re embarked on that they’re expected to lose by oddsmakers. However, given that seven of their next eight games will come against opponents with winning records, this may be their best chance to get head coach Rick Carlisle his long-awaited 1,000th regular-season victory.

The Pacers last won on Dec. 8, so maybe the fact it’s Jan. 8 will help end this brutal run they’re on that has become the longest losing streak in franchise history. Indiana has won just one road game all season in 17 outings, beating Chicago on Dec. 5. Whether it can pull of a victory in the Queen City may depend on whether point guard Andrew Nembhard can suit up since he’s listed as ‘questionable’ due to lower back soreness.

The Hornets own a 2-2 record this month, defeating the Bulls and Thunder, the latter of which marked the biggest upset of the NBA season. A 3-pointer at the buzzer from Toronto’s Immanuel Quickley on Wednesday prevented Charlotte from putting together what would’ve been a season-long three-game win streak. 

LaMelo Ball sat down the stretch, so even though the Hornets are playing a back-to-back and down a few key pieces, they’re favored to win over the depleted defending Eastern Conference champs. Charlotte is 5-2 on the second night of back-to-backs, winning each of the last three. It comes in 7-11 at home.

Vitals - How to Watch Pacers at Hornets

Game date, time and location: Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:10 p.m. EST, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (Pacers), Bally Sports Southeast (Hornets)

Radio: 1070 The Fan (Pacers), FM 96.9 WFNZ (Hornets)

Pacers look to end longest losing streak, get Carlisle win No. 1,000

The Indiana Pacers (6-31) visit the Charlotte Hornets (13-24) in what could be a landmark win for multiple reasons if they can pull off an upset.

Indiana is 4-18 against Eastern Conference foes, but one of those victories did come against the Hornets on Nov. 19 in what was just the team’s second win of the season. The Pacers won 127-118 behind a great game from the now injured Bennedict Mathurin, who led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds. For Charlotte, the loss was the fourth straight in an eventual seven-game skid despite a 28-point showing from rookie Kon Knueppel.

The Pacers and Hornets will play twice more in 2026, squaring off on Feb. 26 and April 3, with the next matchup set to be played in Indianapolis. Indiana has won consecutive games in the series, but Charlotte has actually won 11 of the last 18. The Pacers lead the all-time series 76-56 and won eight of the first 11 matchups since the Hornets entered the NBA in 1988-89.

Betting Lines (via DraftKings) 

Spread: Hornets -4.5 (-108) Pacers +4.5 (-112)

Moneyline: Hornets -180, Pacers +150

Total: 230.5 (Over -112, Under -108)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

PROJECTED STARTERS

PACERS

F Aaron Nesmith

F Pascal Siakam

C Jay Huff

G Andrew Nembhard

G Johnny Furphy

HORNETS

G/F Kon Knueppel

F Miles Bridges

C Moussa Diabate

G LaMelo Ball

G Sion James

INJURY REPORT

PACERS 

Andrew Nembhard: Questionable - Lower Back Soreness

Bennedict Mathurin: Out - Right Thumb Sprain

Isaiah Jackson: Out - Concussion

Tyrese Haliburton: Out - Right Achilles Tendon tear

Obi Toppin: Out - Right Foot Stress Fracture

Taelon Peter: Doubtful - G League (Two-way)

HORNETS

LaMelo Ball: Probable - Right Ankle Soreness

Brandon Miller: Probable - Left Knee Contusion

Tidjane Salaun: Probable - Left Ankle Sprain

Ryan Kalkbrenner: Out - Left Elbow Sprain

Grant Williams: Out - Right Knee Surgery

Mason Plumlee: Out - Right Groin Strain

KJ Simpson: Out - G League (Two-way)

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