What we know about Pacers vs. Hornets play-in tournament game

The 2021 NBA play-in tournament will begin on Tuesday, May 18 and run through Friday, May 21. The play-in tourney will decide the 7-8 seeds in each conference with seeds 7-10 competing over the week until the 2021 NBA Playoffs begin on Saturday, May 22. In the second game from the Eastern Conference, the No. 9 seed Indiana Pacers will take on the No. 10 seed Charlotte Hornets. Here’s everything we know so far, plus a preview for the game.

Pacers vs. Hornets play-in tournament game time

The game will take place on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Pacers will host the Hornets and the game will be broadcasted nationally on TNT.

Pacers vs. Hornets odds

Spread: Pacers -3.5 (-107)
Over/Under: 228
Moneyline: CHA (+130), IND (-155)

The Pacers were one of the NBA’s most interesting bubble teams last year thanks to TJ Warren’s breakout performance, and Domantas Sabonis came back from injury to make things interesting before Indianda got swept by the Heat in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Pacers’ injury woes have gotten even worse this year. Warren hasn’t played all year, while Myles Turner (toe) and Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) have dealt with a string of injuries down the stretch. Caris LeVert has helped make up for the loss of Victor Oladipo, but Indiana has a lot of issues to worry about ahead of the postseason.

The Hornets last made the playoffs in 2015-16 and lost to Dwyane Wade’s Heat in seven games, but they’re back in the mix thanks to some key offseason acquisitions. Former Celtics SF Gordon Hayward’s resurgent year was a major contributor to Charlotte’s success, but so was rookie point guard LaMelo Ball. Ball playmaking opened up the floor for the Hornets’ group of talented scorers and helped them climb as high as the fourth seed before fracturing his wrist and missing a large chunk of time. Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier, and Ball could make things interesting, but Hayward missing time with a foot injury will limit Charlotte’s upside.