The Charlotte Hornets (19-37) visit Indiana to take on the Pacers (33-24) in a game that will likely be low scoring. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports Midwest – Indiana.
Indiana is an 11-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 208.5 points.
Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers Free Prediction
In the Hornets’ last matchup, they were dismantled by the Brooklyn Nets, 115-86, and were not able to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. The gameโs total points (201) finished under the O/U total of 210. Brooklyn’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Charlotte. The Nets had a rate of 0.580 (above their season average of 0.513), while the Hornets posted a mark of 0.420 (below their season average of 0.504). PJ Washington was Charlotte’s leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
The Pacers got blown out by the Toronto Raptors in their last contest, 127-81. They were unable to cover as 5-point underdogs. The gameโs combined points (208) finished under the projected point total of 220. Toronto’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Indiana. The Raptors had a rate of 0.603 (above their season average of 0.538), while the Pacers posted a mark of 0.368 (below their season average of 0.534). With 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis had a good performance.
The Pacers lead the season series against the Hornets two games to one, including an 11-point victory the last time these teams met. Indiana covered as a 6.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 219 points, which was 9.5 points above the projected point total of 209.5 points. The Pacers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 20.5) and had a better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 10.8). T.J. Warren was the game’s top overall scorer with 36 points.
Charlotte heads into the game with records of 19-37 straight up (SU) and 26-28-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Hornets have a slight tendency to go under the total (51.8 percent).
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 33-24 SU and 29-26-2 ATS. Unlike Charlotte, just over half of Pacers games have finished over the total.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Indiana currently ranks 27th in possessions per game (100.5) and Charlotte is 30th (98.6).
Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers Pick
Prediction:ย ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Charlotte is 17-14 ATS with 16 overs and 15 unders.
Indiana is 13-14-2 ATS at home with 16 overs and 13 unders.
Charlotte is 6-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Indiana is 10-2.
The Pacers are 33-15 when they reach the century mark, while the Hornets are 15-21.
Indiana ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.6) while Charlotte ranks 24th (8.1).
The Pacers rank seventh in assists allowed per game (23.3) while the Hornets rank 29th (26.7).
Charlotte ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (34.4) while Indiana ranks last (27.9).
The Hornets rank 13th in second chance points per game (13.3) while the Pacers rank 28th (11.6).
Indiana averages 48.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Charlotte ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.8).
The Pacers rank fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.7) while the Hornets rank 17th (17.1).
Indiana ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.0) while Charlotte ranks 25th (4.1).
The Hornets rank second in fast break points allowed per game (11.5) while the Pacers rank 13th (12.9).
Charlotte ranks 25th in rebounds per game (42.9) while Indiana ranks 26th (42.6).
Over its last five outings, Charlotte is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Indiana is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Hornetsโ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 7.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 105.4 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.2 points per game (5.4 above their season average).