Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction NBA (Feb 26, 2026)
The Charlotte Hornets visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a matchup between two Eastern Conference teams moving in opposite directions. Charlotte enters 28-31 (16-15 away) and has been one of the hotter teams in this range of the standings, while Indiana is 15-44 (10-20 home) and trying to snap a four-game home losing streak.
ESPN’s matchup predictor leans heavily toward Charlotte, which fits the recent form and defensive trend line for the Hornets. The Hornets have won back-to-back road games and are 7-3 over their last 10, while the Pacers are 2-8 over the same stretch.
Hornets vs Pacers quick snapshot
Charlotte’s edge shows up in the season profile and in how the teams are trending right now.
| Category | Hornets | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 28-31 | 15-44 |
| Road/Home split | 16-15 away | 10-20 home |
| Points per game | 115.9 | 111.5 |
| Points allowed per game | 113.4 | 119.2 |
| Rebounds per game | 46.1 | 42.6 |
| Assists per game | 26.5 | 26.3 |
| ESPN matchup predictor | 69.9% | 30.1% |
Source: ESPN game page team stats and predictor.
Injury report and availability swing factors
The key name to monitor is Pascal Siakam, who is listed as game-time decision (wrist) for Indiana. If he sits or is limited, Indiana loses its top scorer and rebounder, which lowers the Pacers’ half-court floor significantly. ESPN also lists Tyrese Haliburton out for the season (Achilles), which has already changed the Pacers’ identity and playmaking ceiling.
Charlotte’s injury report is much cleaner, with Liam McNeeley listed as GTD (ankle). That gives the Hornets a major continuity advantage entering this game.
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hornets | Liam McNeeley | GTD (ankle) |
| Pacers | Pascal Siakam | GTD (wrist) |
| Pacers | Aaron Nesmith | Out (ankle) |
| Pacers | Obi Toppin | Out (foot) |
| Pacers | Ivica Zubac | Out (ankle) |
| Pacers | Johnny Furphy | Out for season (knee) |
| Pacers | Tyrese Haliburton | Out for season (Achilles) |
Matchup keys that decide the game
Charlotte’s three-point volume vs Indiana’s perimeter defense
ESPN’s preview notes Charlotte averages 15.8 made threes per game, while Indiana allows 11.3 made threes per game. If Charlotte wins the spacing battle early, Indiana can get stretched into scramble rotations.
Rebounding margin
Charlotte is one of the better rebounding teams in the league at 46.1 per game, while Indiana sits at 42.6. That edge matters even more if Siakam is limited. Extra possessions could decide the game by halftime if the Pacers do not finish defensive possessions.
Recent form and defensive trust
Over the last 10 games, Charlotte is allowing just 107.0 points per game, compared with 123.2 allowed by Indiana. That is the clearest reason the Hornets have the higher floor in this matchup.
Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers prediction
Charlotte has the stronger current form, the better defensive trend, and a major rebounding edge on paper. Indiana’s path is simple but difficult: get Siakam healthy enough to be a high-usage scorer, protect the paint, and avoid letting Charlotte build confidence from three.
Prediction: Hornets 117, Pacers 109. Charlotte’s balance and recent road form give the Hornets the clearer path over 48 minutes, especially if Indiana remains short-handed.
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