The Indiana Pacers play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

The Hornets (26-22) looked unbeatable this time last week, but they've gotten blown out in their last two games. It's not like they were scary teams either, losing by at least 12 points to the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks. Those are teams that Charlotte needs to beat if they want to take the next step in their development, and it's clear what the issue is. It's their defense, with the Hornets ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. That won't get it done no matter how potent this offense is, and it'll take more effort from these guys to figure it out on that end of the floor. In any case, this young core looks great, and they could be a threat in the coming years!

The Pacers (17-31) had some high hopes coming into the season, but injuries have completely derailed them. T.J. Warren has missed the whole season because of a foot issue, and the hits just keep coming. Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. McConnell, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner have all gone down in recent weeks, and it's left this roster in shambles. All of those absences have forced Indiana to lose 12 of their last 15 games in totsl. It's a sad development, too, because that injury list of players is good enough to compete with anyone. What it has done is force youngsters into bigger roles, with Chris Duarte and Goga Bitadze looking great recently and trying to steady the ship.

These teams have played three tight games this season, with Charlotte winning all three. That gives the Hornets five straight wins in this series, which followed up a four-game winning streak by Indiana.