Betting tips from AI for Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers, 09 January 2026.

AI models give Charlotte a 59% edge and project a tight 117-114 home win, while the market prices the Hornets at 1.60 and the Pacers at 2.40.
Charlotte arrives with momentum from back-to-back upsets, but they'll be on a back-to-back after hosting Toronto and could be undermanned without Mason Plumlee and with Ryan Kalkbrenner in doubt; Brandon Miller is only probable. Indiana is limping on a four-game skid, missing Bennedict Mathurin with Isaiah Jackson questionable, yet their 110-point offense still poses a real threat in a potential shootout.
Given the market slightly overstates Charlotte versus the model, the better $1 risk/reward here is a value contrarian play on Indiana at 2.40. Fatigue and Hornets' key absences narrow the favorite's edge enough to justify backing the Pacers as the smarter, profit-oriented bet.

The Charlotte Hornets, riding high on a wave of confidence after back-to-back road upsets against OKC and Chicago, look poised to continue their momentum at home. Despite facing a back-to-back set after hosting Toronto, their resilience has been evident. AI models give the Hornets a solid 59% edge, projecting a tight 117-114 victory at Spectrum Center, aligning with their 1.60 odds.

The Indiana Pacers, however, limp into this matchup on a four-game skid, including a tough 126-119 loss to Houston. Their woes are compounded by significant injury concerns, with Bennedict Mathurin out and Isaiah Jackson questionable. While Brandon Miller is probable for Charlotte, the Pacers' key absences weaken their already struggling lineup. Although Indiana's high-octane offense averages 110 points, it will be severely tested by Charlotte's determination, even against a 'leaky defense.' The Hornets' recent form and home advantage should prevail over a depleted and slumping Pacers squad.

The Hornets enter this matchup with significant momentum, having secured impressive road victories against OKC and Chicago. Charlotte's 1.60 favorite status is justified by their recent form and home court advantage at Spectrum Center. Meanwhile, Indiana is spiraling with four consecutive losses, including a deflating 126-119 defeat to Houston.

Injuries play a crucial role here – Indiana missing Bennedict Mathurin while Charlotte likely gets Brandon Miller back. The Pacers' high-scoring offense (averaging 110 points) meets a vulnerable Hornets defense, suggesting a potential shootout. However, Charlotte's offensive efficiency at home should overcome Indiana's defensive shortcomings.

While the Hornets' back-to-back scheduling after hosting Toronto raises fatigue concerns, their momentum and healthier roster outweigh this factor. The AI projection of a 117-114 Charlotte win aligns with my analysis. The 1.60 odds offer reasonable value for a Charlotte team trending upward against an Indiana squad searching for answers during their slump.

The Charlotte Hornets are poised to extend their hot streak against a faltering Indiana Pacers squad in this NBA showdown at Spectrum Center. Fresh off back-to-back road upsets over OKC and Chicago, the Hornets boast a 59% edge per AI models, projecting a gritty 117-114 victory. Indiana's reeling from a four-game skid, capped by a tough 126-119 loss in Houston, and they're hampered by Bennedict Mathurin's absence and Isaiah Jackson's questionable status.

Charlotte's own injury woes—with Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kalkbrenner in doubt, plus Brandon Miller probable—won't overshadow their momentum. Sure, back-to-back fatigue after hosting Toronto could play a factor, but the Pacers' high-octane offense (averaging 110 points) meets a leaky Hornets defense in what might turn into a shootout. Still, Charlotte's resilience tips the scales.

At 1.60 for the Hornets and 2.40 for Indiana, the value leans toward backing Charlotte's implied 62% win probability, aligning with the models for a profitable edge on our $1 wager.

The Charlotte Hornets ride momentum from back-to-back upsets, but fatigue on a second night could hinder them against a desperate Indiana squad. Pacers' high-octane offense, despite recent woes, matches up well with Charlotte's leaky defense, especially with Mathurin out and Jackson questionable.

AI models favor the Hornets at 1.60, but the fresh Pacers at 2.40 offer sharp value. Indiana's hunger to snap a four-game skid, coupled with Hornets' tired legs after hosting Toronto, sets the stage for an upset in a potential shootout.

The Charlotte Hornets enter this matchup as favorites with odds of 1.60, while the Indiana Pacers sit at 2.40. Despite the Hornets' recent momentum, including back-to-back road wins, fatigue could play a pivotal role. They're coming off a game against Toronto on the same night, which may dull their edge against a fresher Pacers squad.

Indiana's struggles are evident, having lost four straight games, but their high-powered offense remains dangerous. Averaging 110 points per game even amid adversity, they could exploit Charlotte's inconsistent defense. The absence of Bennedict Mathurin hurts, but if Isaiah Jackson plays, it provides a much-needed boost to their frontcourt.

On paper, the Hornets look stronger, especially with Brandon Miller likely suiting up. However, missing key players like Mason Plumlee and potentially Ryan Kalkbrenner weakens their depth. AI models project a narrow win for Charlotte (117-114), but real-world variables—like tired legs and Indiana's scoring punch—make this far from guaranteed.

Given the tight spread and Indiana’s desperation to end their skid, backing the underdog Pacers offers value at 2.40. While the Hornets have the statistical edge, the Pacers' hunger and freshness tip the scales slightly in their favor.