NBA · Final

Pacers Edge Hornets in Close Contest

114

112

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center

Indiana Pacers 114, Charlotte Hornets 112, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets?

Indiana Pacers beat Charlotte Hornets 114-112 at Spectrum Center on January 8, 2026.

Who was favored in Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets?

Charlotte Hornets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.

The Indiana Pacers secured a narrow victory over the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 114 to 112 at the Spectrum Center. This game was notable as it marked the third meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Pacers now leading the series 3-0. The Hornets entered the matchup with a home record of 13-25, while the Pacers struggled with an away record of 7-31, making this contest particularly significant for both teams as they sought to improve their standings.

In their last ten games, the Hornets had a record of 4-6, but they were on a one-game losing streak following a recent defeat to the Toronto Raptors. They averaged 115.5 points scored per game while allowing 113.5 points. Their recent form included a mix of wins and losses, with their last five games resulting in a record of 2-3, averaging 115.6 points scored and 109.4 points allowed.

Conversely, the Pacers had not won a game in their last ten outings, suffering a streak of ten consecutive losses. They averaged 112.1 points scored and allowed 124.0 points during this stretch. Their last five games reflected their struggles, as they went 0-5, averaging 117.0 points scored and 123.2 points allowed.

The Hornets played at home in front of their fans, but their home record stood at just 1-3 in their last four games. The Pacers, on the other hand, had a dismal away record, having lost their last five games on the road. This game was crucial for both teams as they looked to turn around their fortunes.

In terms of injuries, the Hornets had Brandon Miller and PJ Hall listed as day-to-day, both dealing with shoulder and ankle issues, respectively. The Pacers were also affected by injuries, with Tyrese Haliburton listed as day-to-day due to an Achilles issue, while Johnny Furphy was out with a knee injury. These injuries likely impacted both teams' strategies and rotations throughout the game.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings setting the odds with the Hornets favored by 4.5 points. The total points for the game was set at 232.5, with the over odds at -108.0 and the under odds at -112.0. The moneyline showed the Hornets at -185.0 and the Pacers at 154.0, indicating a belief in the Hornets' potential to win, despite their struggles.

The game conditions were typical for an indoor basketball matchup, with no significant weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a close contest that saw multiple lead changes and a tense fourth quarter.

As the game progressed, key moments included free throws from Kon Knueppel and Moussa Diabate, which helped the Pacers maintain a slim lead in the final minutes. T.J. McConnell's pull-up jump shot and Pascal Siakam's driving layup were critical in sealing the victory for Indiana.

Overall, the matchup highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by both teams, with the Pacers finally breaking their losing streak and the Hornets continuing to search for consistency. The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of the NBA, showcasing the unpredictable nature of basketball.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CHA -4.5	232.5 o -108 / u -112	Indiana Pacers +154 · Charlotte Hornets -185

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
Tyrese HaliburtonDay-To-DayAchillesIndiana Pacers
Johnny FurphyOutKneeIndiana Pacers

Leaders

PointsLaMelo Ball33Charlotte Hornets
AssistsLaMelo Ball8Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsKon Knueppel8Charlotte Hornets
PointsPascal Siakam30Indiana Pacers
AssistsT.J. McConnell8Indiana Pacers
ReboundsPascal Siakam14Indiana Pacers

Recent form

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 4-6Streak L1115.5 scored · 113.5 allowed per game1-3 at home

L96-97vs Toronto RaptorsJan 8
W124-97at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 6
W112-99at Chicago BullsJan 4
L121-122at Milwaukee BucksJan 3
L125-132vs Golden State WarriorsDec 31
L113-123vs Milwaukee BucksDec 30
W120-105at Orlando MagicDec 27
W126-109vs Washington WizardsDec 24
L132-139at Cleveland CavaliersDec 23
L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21

Indiana Pacers

Last 10: 0-10Streak L10112.1 scored · 124 allowed per game0-5 away

L116-120vs Cleveland CavaliersJan 7
L127-135at Orlando MagicJan 4
L113-123vs San Antonio SpursJan 3
L110-112vs Orlando MagicDec 31
L119-126at Houston RocketsDec 30
L116-142at Miami HeatDec 28
L122-140vs Boston CelticsDec 27
L94-111vs Milwaukee BucksDec 24
L95-103at Boston CelticsDec 23
L109-128at New Orleans PelicansDec 21

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19
Atlanta	-	36	L1	.561	46
Orlando	1	37	L1	.549	45
Charlotte	2	38	W1	.537	44
Miami	3	39	W2	.524	43
Washington	29	65	L10	.207	17

Box score

Stat	Indiana Pacers	Charlotte Hornets
Field goals	41-82	39-86
Field goal %	50	45
Three-pointers	12-27	16-44
Three-point %	44	36
Free throws	20-21	18-24
Free throw %	95	75
Rebounds	41	35
Offensive rebounds	10	8
Defensive rebounds	31	27
Assists	25	29
Steals	9	8
Blocks	6	3
Turnovers	19	16
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	0	2
Technical fouls, total	0	2
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	23	22
Fast-break points	9	14
Points in the paint	52	42
Fouls	27	22
Largest lead	12	4
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	77	10

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter79-70Ben Sheppard makes running layup (Johnny Furphy assists)
3rd Quarter79-72Kon Knueppel makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter79-74LaMelo Ball makes driving layup (Kon Knueppel assists)
3rd Quarter79-77LaMelo Ball makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (PJ Hall assists)
3rd Quarter82-77T.J. McConnell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ben Sheppard assists)
3rd Quarter83-77T.J. McConnell makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter84-77T.J. McConnell makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter84-78Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter84-79Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter86-79T.J. McConnell makes 9-foot fade away jump shot
3rd Quarter88-79T.J. McConnell makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Jarace Walker assists)
3rd Quarter88-82Kon Knueppel makes 25-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
3rd Quarter90-82T.J. McConnell makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter90-84Tidjane Salaun makes driving layup (LaMelo Ball assists)
3rd Quarter90-87LaMelo Ball makes 28-foot three point jumper
4th Quarter90-90Miles Bridges makes 25-foot three point jumper (Collin Sexton assists)
4th Quarter90-92Miles Bridges makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot (Collin Sexton assists)
4th Quarter93-92Pascal Siakam makes 26-foot three point jumper (Aaron Nesmith assists)
4th Quarter93-94Collin Sexton makes driving layup
4th Quarter93-97Sion James makes 23-foot three point jumper (Liam McNeeley assists)
4th Quarter96-97Jay Huff makes 26-foot three point jumper (T.J. McConnell assists)
4th Quarter98-97T.J. McConnell makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter101-97Aaron Nesmith makes 23-foot three point jumper (T.J. McConnell assists)
4th Quarter101-98Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter104-98Jay Huff makes 25-foot three point jumper (Aaron Nesmith assists)
4th Quarter104-101Kon Knueppel makes 23-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter104-104Miles Bridges makes 26-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter106-104Jay Huff makes 1-foot dunk (T.J. McConnell assists)
4th Quarter106-106Miles Bridges makes 1-foot dunk (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter108-106Pascal Siakam makes 3-foot two point shot
4th Quarter109-106Pascal Siakam makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter109-107Moussa Diabate makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter109-108Moussa Diabate makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter109-109Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter109-110Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter109-111Kon Knueppel makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter109-112Moussa Diabate makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter111-112T.J. McConnell makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter113-112Pascal Siakam makes driving layup
4th Quarter114-112Ben Sheppard makes free throw 2 of 2