Hornets and Pacers Clash in Tight First Quarter

Highlights show a competitive start to the high-stakes NBA matchup.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:24am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers, capturing the competitive energy and back-and-forth action of the opening period of their NBA game.The Hornets and Pacers battle for position and control in a tightly contested first quarter of their high-stakes NBA matchup.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers faced off in a close first quarter of their April 3rd, 2026 NBA matchup. The highlights show both teams battling hard on both ends of the court, with the score remaining tight throughout the opening period.

Why it matters

This early-season game between two Eastern Conference playoff contenders could have major implications for the postseason race down the line. The Hornets and Pacers are both looking to secure a top seed, so a strong start to the game sets the tone for the rest of the highly anticipated matchup.

The details

The Hornets jumped out to an early lead, but the Pacers fought back to keep the game close. Both teams showcased their offensive firepower, with key players making big plays on both ends of the floor. The quarter featured several lead changes as neither squad was able to pull away.

  • The game was played on April 3rd, 2026.
  • The highlights cover the first quarter of the matchup.

The players

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA team based in Charlotte, North Carolina that competes in the Eastern Conference.

Indiana Pacers

An NBA team based in Indianapolis, Indiana that competes in the Eastern Conference.

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What’s next

The full game highlights and box score will be available later tonight on NBA.com, providing more details on how the rest of the game unfolded between these two playoff-contending squads.

The takeaway

This tight first-quarter battle sets the stage for what is sure to be an exciting and hard-fought matchup between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams as they jockey for position in the standings.