Pacers Look to Snap Home Skid Against Surging Hornets

Indiana hosts Charlotte in a key Eastern Conference matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Indiana Pacers return home on Thursday night to host the Charlotte Hornets, looking to snap a four-game losing streak at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Hornets have been playing strong basketball recently, led by their high-volume three-point attack. For the Pacers, the focus will be on defending the arc, finishing possessions, and avoiding a track meet where the Hornets get comfortable from deep. Indiana will also need to monitor injury concerns, with Pascal Siakam listed as day-to-day with a wrist issue.

Why it matters

This is a crucial Eastern Conference matchup for both teams, as the Pacers try to turn things around at home and the Hornets look to continue their recent strong play. The outcome could have significant implications for the playoff race in the East.

The details

The Pacers have struggled at home lately, losing four straight games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They'll need to tighten up their defense, especially against the Hornets' three-point shooting, and get production from key players like Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker. Charlotte, meanwhile, has been thriving behind its high-volume three-point attack, averaging 15.8 made threes per game.

  • The game tips off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Andrew Nembhard

A steady scorer for the Pacers who has been producing over the last ten games.

Jarace Walker

A key contributor for the Pacers who has continued to produce in recent games.

Pascal Siakam

A Pacers player who has been listed as day-to-day with a wrist injury.

Charlotte Hornets

The Pacers' opponent, a team that has been playing strong basketball recently and is known for its high-volume three-point attack.

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What they’re saying

“This is one of those games where energy matters. Crowd matters. Defensive effort matters.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting

What’s next

The Pacers will need to focus on their defensive intensity and three-point defense in order to snap their home losing streak against the surging Hornets.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial test for the Pacers as they look to turn things around at home and keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.