The Indiana Pacers have officially clinched a playoff spot this year, but their season is still not over. With just a couple of weeks left in the season, the Pacers are 44-31 and own the No. 4 seed in the East. However, it is still important for them to win as many games as possible to gain momentum heading into the playoffs. On Wednesday night, the Pacers will take on the Hornets for the third and final time this season. Despite Charlotte possessing the third-worst record in the NBA, they are 2-0 against the Pacers this season.
As the Pacers look to secure their eighth victory in the last 10 games, they will also aim to avoid a season series sweep at the hands of the Hornets. The Hornets are currently 19-56, struggling significantly this season, especially on the road with a record of 7-30 and a point differential of -8. In contrast, the Pacers are riding high with a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home.
In their last outing, Indiana came back to secure a thrilling two-point victory over the Sacramento Kings, showcasing their resilience and determination as they push for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Hornets snapped a five-game losing streak with a narrow four-point win over the Utah Jazz on March 31, 2025, but they still face an uphill battle against the Pacers.
Here is the full injury report for the Pacers and Hornets ahead of their matchup on April 2, 2025:
Pacers injury report:
- Tony Bradley (illness) - OUT
- RayJ Dennis (G League) - AVAILABLE
- Enrique Freeman (G League) - AVAILABLE
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Quenton Jackson (G League) - AVAILABLE
- Bennedict Mathurin (calf) - OUT
- Myles Turner (illness) - AVAILABLE
Tony Bradley, who signed with the Pacers in March, has been ruled out ahead of the game against Charlotte due to an illness. Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner were both inactive in the Pacers' victory against the Kings, with Mathurin missing his third consecutive game due to a calf injury and Turner being available to play against the Hornets.
Hornets injury report:
- LaMelo Ball (ankle) - OUT
- Miles Bridges (illness) - AVAILABLE
- Taj Gibson (illness) - OUT
- Tre Mann (herniated disc) - OUT
- Brandon Miller (wrist) - OUT
- Nick Smith Jr. (ankle) - OUT
- Grant Williams (knee) - OUT
The Hornets have been dealt a tough blow with star guard LaMelo Ball ruled out for the rest of the season to undergo minor procedures on his wrist and ankle. Ball had been playing through injuries before the team made the decision to shut him down. Additionally, the Hornets will be without several key players, including Brandon Miller and Grant Williams, both of whom are also out for the remainder of the year due to injuries.
As for the matchup tonight, the Pacers are looking to turn the tables after losing both meetings with Charlotte earlier this season, with the Hornets winning by margins of 20 and four points. Pacers’ fans are hoping for a decisive victory to not only secure their playoff standing but also to avenge the previous losses.
According to NBC Sports Bet, the latest odds give the Hornets an implied team point total of 111.57, while the Pacers are projected to score 119.13. Vaughn Dalzell from NBC Sports has expressed confidence in the Pacers, predicting they could win this game by as much as 24 points. He stated, “Indiana lost both meetings with Charlotte by four and 20 points, and I would not be shocked if the Pacers win this game by 24 points. This is the get-back matchup and Charlotte is resting or decreasing most of their starters’ minutes in the third and fourth quarters, so they are clearly tanking. This is an Indiana or pass spot as they are 2.0 games over the Pistons, who take on the Thunder tonight. This is a must-win for the Pacers.”
As the Pacers prepare for the game, they will look to build on their recent form and capitalize on the Hornets' injury struggles. The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team in this crucial matchup.
With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and the Pacers know that a strong performance against the Hornets could provide the momentum they need heading into the postseason. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Indiana can finally overcome Charlotte and secure a much-needed victory.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting clash between these two teams. Will the Pacers finally get their revenge on the Hornets, or will Charlotte continue their surprising dominance in this season's matchups? Only time will tell as the action unfolds on the court.
