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The Charlotte Hornets are the standout pick for “playoff sleeper”, and they can improve their chances of sneaking into the Top 6 against the Indiana Pacers tonight.

Charlotte has put together a 7-3 run in its last 10 games, just as other Eastern Conference foes are fading, and my Pacers vs. Hornets predictions expect LaMelo Ball to cook up another big stat line here.

Get the lowdown on this April 3 clash with my free NBA picks, including the impact of Indiana’s lengthy injury report.

Pacers vs Hornets prediction

Pacers vs Hornets best bet: LaMelo Ball Over 20.5 points (-102)

Ever the polarizing player, LaMelo Ball has found the right balance of scoring and playmaking in what has quickly turned into a breakthrough season for the Charlotte Hornets.

As a result, the Hornets have reeled off win after win, and I like the LaMelo points prop tonight against an Indiana Pacers squad missing Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith.

Ball made seven of his 12 shots in his previous meeting with the Pacers, and he’s reached the 20-point mark in six of his last nine contests, while being flanked by Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.

Answering any remaining questions about whether he makes winning decisions, LaMelo has dialed back a few of his wilder field goal attempts – and he shot a steady 36% from downtown in March.

But this prop pick is still a volume play, with Ball jacking up 16+ shots in 11 of his last 16 games, and he’s always a candidate to pile up 20+.

There are some creaking gaps in the Indiana defense, too. The Pacers are giving up 120.7 PPG, fifth-most in the league, and Ball has the size to shoot over any potential backcourt defender.

With Charlotte cruising to a pair of blowouts in its past two outings, Ball shifted into playmaking mode. But I’m counting on more scoring here, particularly for a Hornets squad that’s on the second night of a back-to-back set.

Pacers vs Hornets same-game parlay

All the parts just seem to fit for the Hornets – including both Ball’s ability to get tough buckets and Moussa Diabate’s nonstop effort on the glass. I’m building this SGP around the Charlotte duo, with Diabate racking up 10+ rebounds in five of his past seven contests.

The Pacers are just 7-31 SU on the road this season, so there’s no obvious path to an upset. Given that the Hornets landed a 133-109 win in Indiana in late February, a home victory is on the cards here.

Pacers vs Hornets SGP

• LaMelo Ball Over 20.5 points
• Moussa Diabate Over 9.5 rebounds
• Hornets moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: The Diabate Experience!

The Pacers are set to be the latest team to get the full Diabate experience. Rebounding is his calling card, but he’s refining his offense – to the tune of 10+ points in four of his last seven matchups – and he averaged a block per game in March.

With Diabate leading the charge defensively for Charlotte, the Under is 48-29 this year for the hosts.

Pacers vs Hornets SGP

• Moussa Diabate Over 9.5 rebounds
• Moussa Diabate Over 7.5 points
• Moussa Diabate Over 0.5 blocks
• Under 235.5

Pacers vs Hornets odds

• Spread: Pacers +15.5 | Hornets -15.5
• Moneyline: Pacers +795 | Hornets -1300
• Over/Under: Over 232 | Under 232

Pacers vs Hornets betting trend to know

The Under is 7-3 in the Hornets’ last 10 contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Hornets.

How to watch Pacers vs Hornets

Pacers vs Hornets latest injuries

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