The Indiana Pacers (27-23) challenge the Charlotte Hornets (20-28) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 29, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports Carolina.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 215 points with Indiana opening as a 2.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers Betting Prediction
The Hornets are trying to rebound after their 95-91 loss to the Miami Heat in their last contest. Miami’s 0.494 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Charlotte, who had a mark of 0.375. The Heat’s mark was below their season average of 0.523, while the Hornets’ was below their season average of 0.496. Charlotte’s Dwight Howard played well, contributing 20 points and 16 rebounds.
In the Pacers’ last matchup, they won a close one over the Orlando Magic, 114-112. Indiana had a better turnover percentage (8.6 vs. 13.3). Orlando, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.260 (above their season average of 0.182). Victor Oladipo was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
Indiana should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Indiana ranks fifth in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.0 percent), while Charlotte forces the sixth-fewest turnovers (13.4 percent). Furthermore, the Hornets, who rank second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.233), will face a tough challenge against the Pacers, who rank third in opponents’ FTA rate (0.164).
Charlotte heads into the contest with records of 20-28 straight up (SU) and 19-25-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hornets’ 48 games, 25 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 27-23 SU and 27-23 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total high when the Pacers are involved, as 56.0 percent of their games have gone under the total.
Howard has averaged 17.2 points, 15.4 rebounds, 4.2 blocks and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Charlotte.
After splitting four games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Pacers won 98-77. Indiana made 12 of its 28 three pointers (42.9 percent). Charlotte, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.4 vs. 15.4).
Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Charlotte is 7-10-3 ATS on the road with 10 unders, 9 overs and 1 push.
At home, Indiana is 14-12 ATS with 15 unders, 10 overs and 1 push.
Indiana is 15-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Charlotte is 8-3.
The Hornets are 19-11 when they score more than 100 points, while the Pacers are 23-10.
Indiana ranks third in fast break points per game (14.9) while Charlotte ranks 25th (9.3).
The Hornets rank second in rebounds per game (46.6) while the Pacers rank 23rd (41.8).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (9.7) while Indiana ranks 19th (12.8).
The Pacers rank 12th in steals per game (8.0) while the Hornets rank 28th (6.8).
Indiana ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.2) while Charlotte ranks 19th (16.1).
The Pacers rank 15th in assists per game (22.4) while the Hornets rank 29th (20.6).
Charlotte averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Indiana ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
The Hornets rank 17th in points in the paint per game (43.3) while the Pacers rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.2).
Charlotte ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (29.8) while Indiana ranks 25th (30.9).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Indiana is 2-3 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, up from 0.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 103.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.6 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
