The Charlotte Hornets (21-29) clash with the Indiana Pacers (29-23) at Spectrum Center. The game will air on Fox Sports Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 2, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 211 points with Charlotte set as a 3-point favorite.
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Prediction
The Pacers will be hoping for a similar outcome after topping the Memphis Grizzlies in their last contest, 105-101. The Pacers had a solid free throw rate of 0.300 (above their season average of 0.170), while the Grizzlies had a turnover percentage of 16.9 (above their season average of 13.2). Indiana received a boost from Myles Turner, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Hornets’ last matchup, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 123-110. The Hornets had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 22.9) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.606 (above their season average of 0.494). Kemba Walker was the top scorer from either team with 38 points on 12-for-20 shooting.
A focal point for the Charlotte offense is getting to the free throw line. The Hornets rank second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.230), but Indiana is among the best in the league at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking third by yielding a FTA rate of 0.164).
Indiana holds records of 29-23 straight up (SU) and 28-24 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Pacers have typically finished under the total (55.8 percent).
Meanwhile, Charlotte owns records of 21-29 SU and 20-26-4 ATS. Coinciding with Indiana, a little over half of Hornets games have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Domantas Sabonis (14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals) has been fantastic for the Pacers while Dwight Howard (19.2 points, 14.8 rebounds and 4.2 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Hornets.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Victor Oladipo scored a game-high 25 points and the Pacers beat the Hornets 105-96, covering as 2-point favorites. He also recorded five rebounds. The game finished with a total of 201 points, which was 10.5 points below the projected point total of 211.5 points. Indiana had a better turnover percentage (12.0 vs. 14.8). Charlotte, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 17.1).
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Indiana is 13-11 ATS on the road with 13 unders, 10 overs and 1 push.
At home, Charlotte is 12-15-1 ATS with 15 unders and 13 overs.
Indiana is 16-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Charlotte is 8-3.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Hornets are 20-11 and the Pacers are 25-10.
Indiana ranks third in fast break points per game (15.2) while Charlotte ranks 26th (9.5).
The Hornets rank second in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Pacers rank 23rd (41.6).
Indiana ranks ninth in steals per game (8.2) while Charlotte ranks 29th (6.7).
The Hornets rank first in second chance points allowed per game (9.6) while the Pacers rank 20th (13.0).
Indiana ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.3) while Charlotte ranks 19th (16.0).
The Pacers rank 16th in assists per game (22.5) while the Hornets rank 27th (20.7).
Charlotte averages 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. Indiana ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
The Hornets rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (29.7) while the Pacers rank 25th (30.8).
Charlotte averages 43.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks 18th in the NBA. Indiana ranks 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (46.0).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs, 1 under and 1 push.
Charlotte is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Pacers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 105.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
