Hornets Aim to Extend Rookie Surge in Matchup with Pacers

Charlotte looks to strengthen its playoff positioning against an Indiana team playing its best basketball of the season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with players and the ball fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.The Hornets' young core looks to continue their strong play and solidify their playoff positioning against the surging Pacers.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets, led by strong performances from their rookies, are looking to solidify their position in the NBA play-in tournament when they host the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have won three of their last five games and are playing at a high level, despite being eliminated from playoff contention. Both teams have seen impressive contributions from their young players, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.

Why it matters

The Hornets are in a tight race for a spot in the play-in tournament, and a win over the Pacers would be a significant boost to their postseason hopes. Meanwhile, the Pacers are playing spoiler, looking to end their season on a high note and potentially impact the playoff picture.

The details

The Hornets have won seven of their last nine games, with several players stepping up, including rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner and rookie guard Kon Knueppel, who set the franchise single-season record for 3-pointers made. The Pacers have also found their groove, with six players scoring in double figures in their recent win over the Bulls, led by Ethan Thompson's career-high 24 points. Both teams have dealt with injury concerns, but have found ways to win with their depth.

  • The Hornets and Pacers will face off on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Pacers recently defeated the Miami Heat on Sunday and the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

The players

Miles Bridges

A forward for the Charlotte Hornets who has emphasized the importance of the team's defense leading to their offensive success.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers, who has praised his team's recent play and their ability to make plays without some of their key players.

Ryan Kalkbrenner

A rookie center for the Charlotte Hornets who had four blocked shots in a recent game, providing energy for the team.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has set the franchise single-season record for 3-pointers made, surpassing the previous record held by Kemba Walker.

Coby White

A veteran guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to let our defense dictate our offense. As long as we play defense, I feel we're going to be in good shape because everybody (on our team) can score the ball.”

— Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets

“I like the way we're playing right now. We're doing the things we need to do to be a good team right now.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers

“During this time, you usually see rookies going down, but our rookies are doing great.”

— Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets

“I just try to go out there and help any way I can.”

— Coby White, Guard, Charlotte Hornets

“The ball has energy; it goes in the basket more. I think we're shooting the ball well. We got a rhythm.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers

What’s next

The Hornets will look to continue their strong play and secure a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, while the Pacers will aim to play spoiler and end their season on a high note.

The takeaway

The matchup between the Hornets and Pacers showcases the impressive development of young talent on both teams, with rookies and role players stepping up to lead their respective squads. This game could have significant implications for the Hornets' playoff positioning, making it a must-watch contest for NBA fans.