NBA: Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Match Preview
The Indiana Pacers will play the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday to begin their 2021-22 NBA season. The Pacers defeated the Hornets in the play-in tournament the previous time the two playoff contenders played. After a whole training camp and preseason, it will be thrilling to watch how much both teams have grown.
The Indiana Pacers are in a strange situation where they may either miss the playoffs or make it. In the last seven years, though, they have not won a single postseason game. Rick Carlisle, the new coach, is one of the greatest in the business and might be crucial in turning the franchise’s fortunes around.
Meanwhile, James Borrego’s Charlotte Hornets are banking on a young core led by LaMelo Ball to succeed. The Hornets could end their five-year postseason drought this season, thanks to Ball’s emergence as a difference-maker and the development of other young players.
Match Details
Fixture: Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets | NBA Season 2021-22.
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 20th, 2021; 7:00 PM ET (Thursday, October 21st; 4:30 AM IST).
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC.
Indiana Pacers Preview
The Indiana Pacers hired Rick Carlisle, one of the top coaches in the game, but will be without several key players moving into the upcoming season. TJ Warren has yet to receive a definitive return from Carlisle and the front office, while Caris LeVert did not appear in a single preseason game.
The Indiana Pacers might compete for another play-in tournament if they stay healthy and make the stacked Eastern Conference playoffs. The Sabonis-Tuner duo will be the team’s offensive fulcrum. Carlisle will likely lean on this combo, giving them staggered minutes to offer more balance to the squad, based on their preseason games.
If the Indiana Pacers want to make the playoffs, they’ll have to strengthen their defence this season. Poor transition defence and points conceded in the paint were two of the team’s biggest flaws last season. They must handle these high-field goal percentage situations if they want to significantly improve their defence.
Rick Carlisle is walking into a very deep team with the Pacers.
Sabonis,Caris,Brogdon all averaged 20 PPG this past season & we all know TJ Warren is a 20 point bucket anytime heβs healthy and on the court. Very excited to see how he might use Turner on Offense. pic.twitter.com/ONNsrVLk0l— ππΏ π¨π¦ (@NorthsidePace) June 24, 2021
Indiana Pacers Predicted Lineup
G – Malcolm Brogdon | G – Chris Duarte | F – Torrey Craig | F – Domantas Sabonis | C – Myles Turner.
Charlotte Hornets Preview
Last season, the Charlotte Hornets lost numerous underappreciated players, including Malik Monk, Devonte’ Graham, and fan favourite Cody Zeller. Mason Plumlee and Kelly Oubre Jr., both tremendously athletic athletes in their primes, will take their place. Charlotte is looking for players who can sprint up and down the floor while still being switchable on defence.
The Charlotte Hornets head coach, James Borrego, will be hoping that the team’s young core’s better play would help the team break its five-year postseason drought. The emergence of LaMelo Ball as a franchise player could help them achieve their postseason goals. The ball was outstanding in the preseason. He and Miles Bridges have the potential to make the Hornets a must-see in the East this season.
Kelly Oubre Jr.’s signing is considered a surprise. If Gordon Hayward loses time due to injury again, he’ll be a solid starter. With Ball increasing the tempo, Oubre Jr.’s value could improve. He runs the floor incredibly effectively, making him a potent weapon for the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets Predicted Lineup
G – LaMelo Ball | G – Gordon Hayward | F – Miles Bridges | F – PJ Washington | C – Mason Plumlee.
Match Prediction: Pacers vs. Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets will be thinking about their heartbreaking loss to finish their previous season. Other than the season opener, that’s a match they’ve undoubtedly circled on their calendars.
Rick Carlisle’s club will enter this game with a few players missing. Fans and opponents of the Indiana Pacers will be watching how Carlisle uses the Sabonis-Turner combination. There will almost certainly be changes, notably on defence, where they struggled last season.
There could be a difference in approach in this match. Every possession, LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets’ uber-athletic players would try to push the pace. Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon and the Indiana Pacers may try to slow the game down in order to maximise Turner and Sabonis’ abilities.
The Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets should have a competitive game, with the host club possibly eking out a win to start their NBA season in 2021-22.