Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds December 20
The Indiana Pacers host the Charlotte Hornets for the second time of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday night. Despite a career night from Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton in early November, Charlotte already beat Indiana by one point this season.
The Pacers are slumping and have lost four games in a row. They are aware of the need to shift their mentality on defense if they want to end their skid, and tonight will be a great opportunity to do exactly that. "We'll be ready. We'll come out with effort and energy," Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith said Tuesday.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Southeast
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are huge favorites as they are currently -10.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 248.5.
Pacers vs Hornets Injury Report
The Pacers listed guard Andrew Nembhard as out with a bone bruise in his right knee. Jalen Smith, who has been out since late November, is listed as questionable for the first time in a while with his left leg issues. Myles Turner practiced in full on Tuesday but is questionable with bilateral hamstring soreness. Kendall Brown, Ben Sheppard, Isaiah Wong, Jarace Walker, and Oscar Tshiebwe are listed as questionable as they are currently in the G League with the Indiana Mad Ants.
For the Hornets, Amari Bailey, LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, and Frank Ntilikina are out. Mark Williams is doubtful. Gordon Hayward is probable.
Key Matchup
Tyrese Haliburton vs Terry Rozier: With Ball out, Rozier is the Hornets go-to floor general and scorer with the rock. He is averaging over 25 points per game in his last nine outings and scored 22 points against Indiana earlier this season despite getting injured during the game.
Haliburton and his teammates will have to slow Rozier down, and Haliburton himself will need to figure out a way to get going on offense. The star guard is currently in a down stretch, which has hurt Indiana's full team offensively. He is a high-IQ player who will figure it out, the Pacers will hope that happens tonight.
- James Johnson back with Indiana Pacers to provide wisdom and toughness. CLICK HERE.
- The Pacers can't just hope to outscore teams and win — their defense must get better. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers legend George McGinnis passes away at 73. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers losing streak reaches four after miserable defensive night against Los Angeles Clippers. CLICK HERE.
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