Free Pick: Pacers vs. Hornets Odds
Looking for Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Free NBA predictions? NBA betting sees the Pacers taking on the Hornets on 1/8 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA predictions like this Pacers Hornets free pick.
2026 NBA Handicapping – Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets
(6-31) Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets (13-24)
Date: Jan 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
NBA Moneyline Odds: Pacers +143| Hornets -160 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NBA Point Spread Betting Odds: Pacers +3.5 | Hornets -3.5
NBA Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 234.5
Here’s why I’m taking the underdog Indiana in my Pacers Hornets free pick and gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Pacers vs. Hornets Gameday
It’s a quiet day for the NBA with just four games on tap, including the Indiana Pacers traveling to play the Charlotte Hornets.
Indiana last played on Tuesday in a 116-120 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Six Pacers scored in double figures, with Pascal Siakam leading the way, scoring 22 points.
Charlotte is completing a back-to-back set where they lost a 96-97 heartbreaker to the Raptors on a 3-pointer at the buzzer after leading for most of the match.
After the offensive showcase versus the Thunder, the Hornets struggled with just four players scoring in double figures. Collin Sexton led the way off the bench, scoring 22 points, but no Hornets starter scored over 15.
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Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Odds & Last 5
Last year, the Hornets took the season series two games to one, but this season it’s the Pacers who are up 1-0 in the regular series (one of their six wins this year).
Indiana is the association’s cellar dweller with a record of 6-31, which is 4.5 games back of the 14th seed and two more losses than anyone. The Pacers have battled recently, but have nothing to show for it, having lost 13 games in a row.
Charlotte stayed true to their trend of not winning three in a row. They are 2-3 through the last five matches and reside in the 12th seed in the East with a 13-24 record. After this match, the Hornets will hit the road for a five-game Western trip.
Charlotte is favored by 3.5 points with an over-under of 234.5 points.
Pacers Stats
Indiana has the 29th-ranked offense (108.4) and 22nd-ranked defense (117.1). In addition, they run the 11th fastest pace (101.63) while ranking 28th in Net Rating (-8.7).
The Pacers average 110.8 points per game while their opponents average 119.7 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Indy averages 24.5 (28th) and 42.5 (24th), respectively.
Indy’s team leaders* are Pascal Siakam for scoring (23.7 points) as well as for rebounds (6.6), and steals (1.3), Andrew Nembhard for assists (7.0), and Jay Huff for blocks (2.2).
As for the perimeter, it’s a weakness for Indy with five players averaging 36.6% or more from deep and the team shooting 33.8% overall.
*minimum 10 games
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Hornets Stats
With 37 games in the well, Charlotte ranks 12th offensively (115.4), 23rd defensively (117.0), and 19th in net rating (-1.7), running a pace of 99.32, which ranks 25th overall.
The East’s 12th-place Hornets average 115.5 points per game while their opponents average 117.3 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Charlotte averages 26.4 (13th) and 44.8 (13th), respectively.
Charlotte’s team leaders are Miles Bridges/Brandon Miller for scoring (20.1 points), LaMelo Ball for assists (7.9) and steals (1.2), Moussa Diabaté for rebounds (8.2), and Ryan Kalkbrenner for blocks (1.8).
Perimeter shooting is a strength for the Hornets, who have NINE* players shooting 36% or better while the team shoots an average of 37.1%.
*minimum 10 games played
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets bottom line:
Consistency is an issue for both clubs. As noted, while the Pacers are making a habit of losing, they’ve been in clutch time, especially recently.
Charlotte offers the perfect example of inconsistency in their last two matches. After crushing the Thunder, they shot 39% from the field versus the Raptors and went cold in the fourth.
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Basketball Betting Trends
- Indiana is 0-10 SU in its last 10 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana’s last 5 games at Charlotte.
- Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games against Charlotte.
- Also, Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Charlotte’s last 20 games.
- Additionally, Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Pacers Hornets Free Pick: Pacers +3.5
Here is my Pacers Hornets free pick.
Perimeter shooting could be the difference in this match. The Hornets rarely shoot in the mid-range and excel from behind the arc, whereas the Pacers struggle from outside. Charlotte has the worst perimeter defense, while Indy is tied with Toronto for the second-best.
If the teams play to their identities, it bodes well for Indy. And, don’t forget the Hornets are playing on consecutive nights, and the match on Wednesday was extremely physical, so they’ll be fatigued.
Rookie Kon Kuneppel has been a revelation. Already he plays with a vet’s maturity never getting sped up. And, while Cooper Flagg is likely to win RoY, Kon’s name should be in the mix.
On paper, this should be a blowout in favor of Charlotte; however, the Pacers feel due for a win. Charlotte has played spoiler to a few elite teams this season, so maybe it’s their turn to taste the sour fruit.
To wit, take the Pacers and the points.
Today’s NBA Free Pick
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NBA Betting Tweet Of The Day
heartbreaker at home 💔 pic.twitter.com/z7zRE8JxLD
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 8, 2026
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