Hornets Rookies Shine Ahead of Pacers Matchup

Young players lead Charlotte's late-season surge as teams battle for playoff position.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:14pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers.The Hornets' young stars and the Pacers' veteran leaders collide in a crucial late-season matchup with playoff implications.Indianapolis Today

The Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers are both playing their best basketball of the season, with the Hornets' young core of rookies leading the charge. As the teams prepare to face off, the Hornets are eager for their newcomers to continue their strong recent play and help the team solidify a playoff spot.

Why it matters

Both the Hornets and Pacers are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, making this a crucial matchup as the regular season winds down. The Hornets' success has been fueled by the impressive performances of their rookie class, which could bode well for the team's long-term future.

The details

The Hornets have leaned heavily on their rookie class in recent weeks, with players like point guard Jalen Green and forward Paolo Banchero leading the way. Green is averaging over 18 points per game since the All-Star break, while Banchero has provided a consistent scoring punch and solid defense. The Pacers, meanwhile, have also seen a resurgence, with veteran stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner leading the way.

  • The Hornets and Pacers will face off on April 5, 2026.
  • The Hornets have won 7 of their last 10 games, while the Pacers have won 8 of their last 12.

The players

Jalen Green

A rookie point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as a key contributor, averaging over 18 points per game since the All-Star break.

Paolo Banchero

A rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets who has provided consistent scoring and solid defense, helping the team's late-season surge.

Tyrese Haliburton

A veteran star point guard for the Indiana Pacers who has led the team's resurgence in recent weeks.

Myles Turner

A veteran star center for the Indiana Pacers who has also been instrumental in the team's recent success.

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What they’re saying

“Our young guys have really stepped up and given us a boost at the right time. We're going to need that to continue if we want to make a push for the playoffs.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

“This is a big game for us, no doubt about it. We know the Hornets are playing well, but we're confident in our ability to match up with them and come out on top.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Point Guard, Indiana Pacers

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Hornets' young core has been a driving force behind the team's late-season surge, and their continued strong play could be the key to the team making a playoff push. Meanwhile, the veteran-led Pacers are also playing at a high level, setting the stage for an exciting matchup between two teams jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference.