The Charlotte Hornets take on the Indiana Pacers in Spectrum Center tonight at 7 p.m. est. Charlotte gets an early chance at revenge against the team that ended their season during the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The Hornets should be looking to make a statement on opening night as the 144-117 blowout in May should still be fresh on their minds. Charlotte did however get the better of Indiana during the regular season winning two of the three matchups.
This time at full health, the Hornets should fancy their chances against this Pacers team.
Charlotte Hornets odds vs. Indiana Pacers
The Charlotte Hornets are 1.5-point favorites against the Pacers, according to WynnBET. Additionally, the over-under for points scored by LaMelo Ball is 18.5 – which may be worth a look.
Streaming info for Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers
TV: Bally Sports Southeast
Radio: WFNZ 610
Storylines in Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers
The biggest storyline is the rematch from last season’s play-in game. The Hornets were run off the court by the Pacers and sent home rather embarrassingly, leaving fans with a lot of questions heading into the offseason. This should be fresh on the minds of returning Hornets’ players as they look to get the season off on the right foot.
The return of Gordon Hayward is also a big plus for the Hornets to start the season. Hayward is currently the team’s best player and is supposed to be the calming presence on the court when things start to get rough for Charlotte’s young squad. Without Hayward, the team was 9-19 last season. The squad will be glad to have him back for this pivotal rematch.
LaMelo Ball is now officially entering year two and expectation for him is through the roof. Seeing how the second-year point guard takes command of his team in a matchup like this should have eyes glued to the television. If this is truly Ball’s team, then there is no better opportunity to take command of the ship than tonight.
Injury report for Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers
Hornets:
Terry Rozier (ankle) – PROBABLE
Miles Bridges (knee) – PROBABLE
Pacers:
Caris LeVert (back) – OUT
Kelan Martin (hamstring) – OUT
Justin Holiday (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE
Jeremy Lamb (wrist) – QUESTIONABLE
Malcolm Brogdon (shoulder) – PROBABLE
We have you covered for game coverage tonight – follow along on our Twitter and check back postgame for instant reactions.