Charlotte Hornets Return Home to Take on the Indiana Pacers

After three weeks of road games, the Charlotte Hornets will finally return to the Spectrum Center to face off against the Pacers.

The Charlotte Hornets (27-35) are set to host the Indiana Pacers (32-30) as they return to the Queen City for the first time since February 13th. This will be the team’s first home game post all-star break as they have played the past seven matches on the road. They went 3-4 over those seven with a win over the Denver Nuggets in their last game.

In their last outing, the Pacers were able to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 97-96, as they improved to 3-7 in their last 10. Despite their poor form, Indiana still sits in the sixth seed as they are in the thick of things out East. Both of these sides are 3-2 in their last five with the W-L-W-L-W trend.

After two previous matchups this year, the season series sits at 1-1 between the Hornets and the Pacers. This will be the third of four total meetings as the finale will come later this month in Indiana. Steve Clifford’s side won in Charlotte last time out.

Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers

8:00 p.m. EST, Monday, March 6th, 2017

Spectrum Center

Broadcast on TNT

Injury Report:

CHA:

TBD

IND:

Lavoy Allen (Sore left knee) – Questionable

Biggest Story:

Nationally Televised Game

The Hornets only had three nationally televised games on their schedule this season and after playing two on ESPN already, this will be their final one of the year. This match will be on TNT as Charlotte’s only game on the network this season. With limited exposure, the team must make the most of the national audience to showcase their skills and play.

In their two previous nationally televised games this season, the Hornets are 0-2 falling to the San Antonio Spurs in November and the Golden State Warriors in January. This matchup might not be as marquee as the previous two but it is still important. Gaining momentum on national television would be huge for the Hornets as they look to grow not only their team but also their brand.

Matchup to Watch:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist vs Paul George

During the first match between these two, George was held to only 10 points and the Hornets came out with the win. In the second, PG13 dropped 22 points as he led the Pacers to a victory. Slowing down Paul will be a key for Charlotte and MKG will be tasked with defending him.

Next: Kemba Named East Player of the Week

Indiana’s star player is averaging 21.9 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game this season. In games where George has scored 20+ points this season, the Pacers are 20-14 compared to just 9-12 when he is held under 20 points. The Charlotte Hornets will have a better chance if MKG can slow down Paul so their matchup is important to the outcome of this one.

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