The Charlotte Hornets (28-31) and Indiana Pacers (15-44) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game will broadcast live on FDSIN.
The Hornets are 12.5-point favorites over the Pacers on the spread (Hornets -12.5), with the over/under set at 229 total points. Charlotte is a -800 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Indiana is +550 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Hornets vs. Pacers predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, February 26.
Hornets vs Pacers Prediction
- Hornets vs Pacers pick: Moussa Diabate Over 1.5 Assists (-160)
My Pacers vs Hornets best bet is on Moussa Diabate to record over 1.5 assists in tonight's game. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Hornets vs Pacers Odds
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12.5 -115 | 229 -110o / -110u | -800 |
| Pacers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12.5 -105 | 229 -110o / -110u | +550 |
Hornets vs Pacers NBA Preview
The Hornets are 24-17 since their 4-14 start and 12-3 in their last 15 contests, now positioned 10th in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Hornets are actually trying. You know what the assignment is.
The Pacers have lost four straight games and eight of their last 10.
The Pacers have a top-four protected pick, and you also know what the assignment is.
Injury-wise, Charlotte's report isn't nearly as loaded as Indiana's.
The Hornets will be without Liam McNeeley (ankle).
The Pacers? Well, for some reason, Obi Toppin (foot) is questionable. He has only played three games this season.
Otherwise, Andrew Nembhard (back) is questionable, Pascal Siakam (wrist) is doubtful, Aaron Nesmith (ankle), Johnny Furphy (ACL), Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), and Ivica Zubac (ankle) are all out.
Hornets vs Pacers Predictions, Betting Analysis
Moussa Diabate has gone over 1.5 assists in seven of his last eight games.
He has legitimately shown some playmaking chops in recent games, whether it's the rare opportunity to pass to a cutter from the top of the key, or the more common kick out to a corner shooter (generally Kon Knueppel), while electing to pass out of a likely contested layup.
This has heavy juice because of the hit rate, but I like the matchup and Diabate in general, especially given he has proven to be a little more well-rounded this season.
His assist percentage is at a career high: 9.0.
Over his last eight, he's up to five potential assists per contest with 35.5 passes made per game.
Pick: Moussa Diabate Over 1.5 Assists (-160, bet365)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline tonight.
Over/Under
My Hornets vs. Pacers betting prediction is Moussa Diabate over 1.5 assists.
