The Indiana Pacers are an underdog again, marking the 12th time on this 13-game run of losses they’re embarked on that they’re expected to lose by oddsmakers.

Both the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers may be without multiple key players in Thursday night's matchup.

Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Lamar Skeeter smiles as he works out guard LaMelo Ball prior to the team’s game against the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, January 8,

Hornets make a questionable lineup change involving LaMelo Ball vs. Pacers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. While sitting at 13-24, the Charlotte Hornets will head into a matchup against a struggling Indiana Pacers team that hasn't won a game since Dec. 12.

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte looks to break its three-game home skid with a victory over Indiana. The Hornets are 11-17 in Eastern Conference games. Charlotte ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding averaging 44.9 rebounds. Moussa Diabate leads the Hornets with 8.3 boards.

The Indiana Pacers will be without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton for their January 8, 2026 game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a season-ending Achilles injury. Haliburton's absence has significantly impacted the Pacers' offense,