Pacers vs Hornets Preview: Tanking or Triumph?

These two teams are headed in completely opposite directions. The Indiana Pacers are deep in a rebuilding year, finishing near the bottom of the standings at 18-58, while the Charlotte Hornets have surprised everyone with a 41-36 record. Although Friday's game means little to Indiana, Charlotte is fighting to secure playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Indiana is intentionally tanking this season, hoping to land a high draft pick. When the Pacers acquired Ivica Zubac from the Clippers, they sent away Bennedict Mathurin and a first-round pick. If that pick falls outside the top four, it goes to Los Angeles. Therefore, finishing with one of the worst records is actually part of Indiana's strategic plan.

Without Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana relies heavily on Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard. Siakam averages about 23 points per game while shooting efficiently from the field. Nembhard contributes around 17 points and about six assists, stepping up as the team's primary playmaker.

The Hornets have become one of basketball's biggest surprises. LaMelo Ball averages about 20 points and nearly nine assists, orchestrating Charlotte's fast-paced offense with confidence. Rookie Kon Knueppel, drafted fourth overall in 2025, contributes about 19 points while shooting over 41 percent from three. Brandon Miller adds around 18 points, giving Charlotte three dangerous scorers who can challenge any defense.