The Charlotte Hornets (35-45) and Indiana Pacers (47-33) get their Eastern Conference schedules going at Spectrum Center. The game will air on Fox Sports Carolina at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 213.5 points with Indiana opening as a 2-point favorite.
Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets Free Prediction
In the Pacers’ last game, they were blown out by the Toronto Raptors, 92-73. Toronto’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Indiana. The Raptors had a rate of 0.482 (below their season average of 0.539), while the Pacers posted a mark of 0.339 (below their season average of 0.527). Trevor Booker played well for Indiana, putting up 11 points and six rebounds.
The Hornets dismantled the Orlando Magic in their last game, 137-100. The Hornets made 24 of their 26 free throws (92.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.657 (above their season average of 0.505). With 16 points and 17 rebounds, Charlotte’s Dwight Howard had a solid outing.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this meeting. Charlotte commits the third-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Indiana forces the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.2 percent). Additionally, the Pacers rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.175), while the Hornets rank first in opponents’ FTA rate (0.167).
Indiana holds records of 47-33 straight up (SU) and 46-34 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pacers’ 80 games, 47 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Charlotte owns records of 35-45 SU and 32-44-4 ATS. Unlike Indiana, games involving the Hornets have finished over the O/U total 50.0 percent of the time.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Hornets won the most recent matchup 133-126, covering as 3-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 259 points, which was 49.5 points above the projected point total of 209.5 points. The Hornets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 17.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.361 vs. 0.299). Kemba Walker was the game’s top overall scorer with 41 points.
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Indiana is 22-18 ATS with 24 unders, 15 overs and 1 push.
At home, Charlotte is 17-22-1 ATS with 21 overs and 19 unders.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Charlotte is 12-3 and Indiana is 26-4.
When reaching the century mark, the Hornets are 34-22 and the Pacers are 38-16.
Indiana ranks second in steals per game (8.8) while Charlotte ranks 25th (6.8).
The Pacers rank fifth in fast break points per game (14.8) while the Hornets rank 27th (9.2).
Charlotte ranks third in rebounds per game (45.5) while Indiana ranks 22nd (42.3).
The Pacers rank second in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while the Hornets rank 18th (16.1).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.5) while Indiana ranks 15th (12.7).
The Pacers rank 12th in assists allowed per game (23.1) while the Hornets rank 25th (24.8).
Indiana averages 44.5 points in the paint per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Charlotte ranks 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.1).
The Hornets average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 20th in the NBA. The Pacers rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
Charlotte ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.0) while Indiana ranks 25th (24.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Charlotte is 1-4 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 1.6, down from 1.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 110.2 points per game (2.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.8 points per game (4.8 above their season average).
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