Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets (Image via USA Today Sports) The Indiana Pacers visit the Charlotte Hornets on January 8, 2026, at the Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Charlotte is favored by 3.5 points.Indiana comes in on a 13-game losing streak and is missing several rotation players. Charlotte has its own issues but holds a clear health and depth edge at home. Both teams sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, yet the game still matters. Indiana is trying to stop the slide. Charlotte is trying to take advantage of a short-handed opponent.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Injury Report and Lineup Impact (January 8, 2026)
Indiana Pacers are without Tyrese Haliburton, who is out with a torn right Achilles tendon. Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain), Isaiah Jackson (concussion), and Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture) are also unavailable. The absences leave Indiana thin at guard, wing, and in the frontcourt.Charlotte Hornets list Brandon Miller as questionable with a knee issue. Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) and Mason Plumlee (groin) remain out, limiting frontcourt depth but leaving the backcourt intact.
How to Watch Tonight’s Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets Game (January 8, 2026)
The game will air locally on FDSIN, FDSSE, and WAXN. NBA League Pass will carry the broadcast for out-of-market viewers. Live stats and highlights will be available through ESPN and Bleacher Report. Radio coverage is available on both teams’ flagship stations.
Team Stats Snapshot
Both teams struggle to score consistently, which points toward a slower game.StatPacers (6-31)RankHornets (13-24)Rank PPG 110.8 28th 115.5 18th PAPG 119.7 25th 117.3 20th RPG 42.5 24th 44.9 11th APG 24.5 28th 26.2 14thIndiana is 1–16 on the road and gives up points at a high rate. Charlotte has been stronger on the glass, especially at home.
Key Players to Watch in Charlottes vs Pacers Game on Jan 8
Andrew Nembhard will run the offense for Indiana with Haliburton out. Aaron Nesmith is expected to handle tough defensive assignments on the wing. Myles Turner, if available, remains central to Indiana’s interior defense. The Pacers have struggled badly on the offensive boards over the last 10 games.Charlotte is led by LaMelo Ball, who averages 19.7 points and 7.9 assists. Miles Bridges provides steady scoring, while Brandon Miller adds another option if cleared to play. Kon Knueppel has been efficient and gives Charlotte another reliable shooter.Also read: Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets predictions, moneyline, best prop bets, and more (January 8, 2026)
Matchup Outlook
Charlotte’s pace at home contrasts with Indiana’s difficulty in transition. Rebounding and turnovers should decide long stretches of the game. Nembhard handling pressure against Ball will be a key test. Indiana needs a clean game to have a chance, but Charlotte’s depth and home court give the Hornets the edge.