Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NBA pre-season match.
The Indiana Pacers are set to play their final preseason game on home court, gearing up to face the Charlotte Hornets with LaMelo Ball leading the charge. The Hornets have emerged victorious in two of their last three encounters, defeating the Miami Heat (111:108) and the Memphis Grizzlies (119:94).
Indiana Pacers
According to head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers aim to bolster its defence this coming season. However, no significant improvements have been evident in their exhibition games. They are engaging in open basketball at both ends, scoring heavily but also conceding a lot. They had the opportunity to test their defence against the Cleveland Cavaliers (129:117), who rested four of their starters, yet the Pacers still allowed 70 points in the first half.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets thrive on high-paced basketball, boasting a wealth of young talent not just in their starting lineup. In fast-paced games, they are poised to succeed. LaMelo Ball and the squad attempted 92 field goals against both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat, and 97 against the New York Knicks. The starting five racked up 63 first-half points against the Knicks, with LaMelo Ball contributing 14 points and 7 assists.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
The Indiana Pacers' preseason games have consistently blown past the 230-point mark, and with the anticipated return of a rested Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, another high-scoring affair is expected.
