Charlotte Hornets: Preview and things to watch for vs. Indiana Pacers

The Charlotte Hornets had a chance to turn things around on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, but they could not pull off a victory at home. Now Charlotte will look to get revenge over the Pacers on Friday night.

The Hornets head into Friday’s game with a two-game losing streak. For Hornets fans, this needs to change if Charlotte has any hope of reaching the playoffs this year.

Charlotte has many home games coming up, and it would be nice to see a win at the beginning of this tough week. The Hornets showed a lot of promise at times in their last game against the Pacers, but Charlotte will need a full four-quarter effort to get a win.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers
7:00 p.m. EST, Friday, January 29th, 2021
Spectrum Center
Fox Sports Southeast

Stream: Fubo.tv

Injury Report

CHA:

None

IND:

Caris Levert- Kidney (Out)

TJ Warren – Foot (Out)

Things to watch for:

The Hornets started Cody Zeller for the second time this season in their last game. Zeller put up his first double-double of the season, and he finished with a plus/minus of +8. Look for Zeller to get his third start.

Malik Monk also saw some playing time after Caleb Martin’s latest decrease in production. Fans should expect to see him back in the lineup after he put up 5 points on Wednesday.

Keys to the game:

Like in recent games, the Hornets gave up another 15+ three-pointer game to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Hornets will not win games if they cannot defend from deep. The Hornets must get on the perimeter and force more tough shots.

Both of these teams rebounded very well on Wednesday. They both tied the game with 50 rebounds and 11 offensive boards. The Hornets need to win the rebound battle and avoid giving up second-chance points.

Charlotte must also limit Domantas Sabonis on both sides of the court. He was an All-Star last year and put up a triple-double on the Hornets in the last game. Guarding him should be a priority in this next matchup.