Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions April 2nd 2025

Pacers Keep Momentum Rolling as Hornets Come to Town

The Indiana Pacers are making all the right moves at the right time. As they prepare to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Indiana (44-31) finds itself surging into the postseason picture with wins in seven of its last nine games. Sitting firmly in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers are eyeing a strong finish to lock in home-court advantage for the first round.

Their latest win — a 111-109 comeback thriller over the Sacramento Kings on Monday — showcased the team’s resilience and depth. Aaron Nesmith led the way with 24 points, including 17 in the second half, helping the Pacers rally from a 16-point deficit.

With key contributors Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin sidelined due to illness and injury, Indiana’s bench once again delivered. Obi Toppin and rookie Jarace Walker stepped up with a combined 34 points and eight made threes, embodying the energy that’s defined the Pacers’ second unit all season.

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“We’ve got a lot of faith in our bench,” said star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who added 18 points and 11 assists, including the go-ahead triple in the final minutes. “A big part of our team is our second group bringing energy, playing hard, playing the right way.”

“It’s the beautiful thing about having depth,” Haliburton continued. “We want to continue to see them play this way as we get into the playoffs because we’re going to need that.”

Hornets Focused on Development Amid Challenging Season

The Charlotte Hornets (19-56) have had a turbulent season, one plagued by injuries to stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Still, there are signs of optimism, especially following Monday’s 110-106 victory over Utah — their first win after a five-game losing skid.

Miles Bridges led the charge with a near triple-double (26 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists), but it was Charlotte’s emerging young core that really impressed down the stretch. Sophomore Nick Smith Jr. and rookies Tidjane Salaun and KJ Simpson played crucial roles in sealing the win, offering a glimpse into a potentially brighter future for the franchise.

“It’s no surprise to me how successful they will continue to be in this league because they put in the work,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said. “You’re going to get out of this game what you put into it, and they put a lot into it.”

Though the Hornets are out of playoff contention, their youth development and end-of-season effort present an intriguing storyline as they test themselves against a postseason-caliber opponent like Indiana.

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Indiana’s Playoff Push Gains Traction

With only seven games left before the playoffs, the Pacers know that every contest matters. Head coach Rick Carlisle has made it clear: nothing will come easy from here on out.

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“All these games are going to be hard,” Carlisle said simply — a statement that rings true for any team in the playoff race.

Whether you’re eyeing Indiana to make noise in the postseason or watching Charlotte’s rookies bloom, don’t miss the action — our up-to-the-minute NBA predictions will keep you ahead of the curve.

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