The NBA Playoffs are kind of here, with the Eastern Conference play-in games beginning today. In the No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchup, the Charlotte Hornets are taking on the Indiana Pacers. These teams met three times during the regular season, with the Hornets winning the previous two matchups. The Hornets vs. Pacers NBA betting picks preview will find the best NBA betting odds, give you some betting trends and show the best NBA picks and NBA predictions available.
NBA Betting Preview: Picks, Odds & Betting Trends | Eastern Conference Play-in Game
Hornets vs. Pacers Game Info
Charlotte Hornets (33-39, 15-21 Away) vs. Indiana Pacers (34-38, 13-23 Home)
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Ind.
Coverage: TNT
Entering this matchup losing five games in a row, the Hornets feature the best all-around rookie in the league, with LaMelo Ball filling up the stat sheet every night. However, there isn’t much good to say after that. Devonte’ Graham has been about as inefficient as can be this season, dropping off after being one of the most improved players last year. Gordon Hayward has been a strong addition to the team, but he is not expected to be available for this game as he continues to nurse a foot injury. They must be more efficient on the offensive end to win today.
The Pacers have been inconsistent all season long, mostly due to injuries. Unfortunately, that will not end today. Malcolm Brogdon has been out since April with a hamstring injury, and he is considered questionable. Myles Turner continues not to have a timetable for his return, so he will be out for sure, as will Jeremy Lamb. Luckily, the role players for the Pacers have kept them going. T.J. McConnell has been one of the best backup point guards in the league, Justin Holiday continues to be a dependable role player and scorer off the bench, Doug McDermott has averaged 19 points over the past four games, and Oshae Brissett has come out of nowhere to be a dependable player for the Pacers down the stretch.
**Caris LeVert has been ruled out for tonight’s game
Hornets vs. Pacers Betting NBA Picks + NBA Odds Shopping
Using Awesemo’s OddsShopper tool, we can easily compare the NBA odds for Hornets vs. Pacers betting across the major sportsbooks. The odds expressed are from 10 a.m. EST on May 18, so make sure to check out the OddsShopper tool yourself to get the most up-to-date odds.
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NBA Odds: Moneyline
- Hornets: (+130) — PointsBet, William Hill
- Pacers: (-142) — FanDuel
NBA Odds: Spread
- Hornets: +3 (-110) — BetMGM, PointsBet, William Hill
- Pacers: -2.5 (-112) — FanDuel
NBA Odds: Point Total
- Over: 227 (-109) — SugarHouse, DraftKings
- Under: 227.5 (-110) — BetMGM
Hornets vs. Pacers NBA Betting Trends
- Charlotte is 4-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last 12 games.
- Charlotte is 0-5 straight up in its last five games.
- Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games.
- The total has hit the over in 10 of Indiana’s last 13 games.
Hornets vs. Pacers Prediction
Between Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert, the Pacers should be able to facilitate their offense efficiently. Getting Brogdon back would simply be the cherry on top. But if they are able to get a lead early and control the pace, the Hornets will begin to fire up bad shots, as is their brand, and show their inexperience. There is too much panic in the Hornets’ game for them to move on.
Prediction: Pacers -2.5
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