The NBA play-in tournament game between the Pacers and Hornets may be just as much about who isn't playing as who will be on the court Tuesday night.
Indiana is limping into the contest with center Myles Turner (toe) likely out and guard Malcolm Brogdon's (hamstring) status unclear. Charlotte is expected to be without forward Gordon Hayward (foot), who hasn't suited up since early April.
MORE: NBA play-in tournament, explained
Still, this matchup should provide plenty of entertainment with Rookie of the Year candidate LaMelo Ball flying up and down the floor and two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis looking to dominate inside.
Here is everything you need to know to watch Hornets vs. Pacers, including the tipoff time and TV channel for Tuesday's game.
What channel is Hornets vs. Pacers on?
- Date: Tuesday, May 18
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Watch TNT
Hornets vs. Pacers will be broadcast live on TNT. You can also live-stream the game via Watch TNT or the Watch TNT app.
Hornets vs. Pacers start time
- Date: Tuesday, May 18
- Start time: 6:30 p.m. ET
The 6:30 p.m. ET tipoff marks the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader. Wizards vs. Celtics will be broadcast live on TNT at 9 p.m. ET.
NBA play-in tournament format
- The play-in tournament will be held after the conclusion of the 2020-21 regular season and before the start of the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. The teams that finish Nos. 1-6 in the standings of each conference will be guaranteed playoff spots. Teams Nos. 7-10 will enter the play-in tournament.
- Each conference's Nos. 7 and 8 teams will face off, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The loser will still have one more opportunity to reach the playoffs.
- Each conference's Nos. 9 and 10 teams will face off, with the winner advancing to play the loser of the No. 7-vs.-No. 8 game. The loser of the No. 9-vs.-No. 10 game will be eliminated from playoff contention.
- The loser of the No. 7-vs.-No. 8 game and the winner of the No. 9-vs.-No. 10 game will then play against each other. The winner of that game will be the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.
- Beyond the play-in tournament, the 2021 NBA playoffs will follow the typical format, with full best-of-seven series all the way through the NBA Finals.
NBA play-in tournament schedule
May 18
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Hornets vs. Pacers | 6:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Wizards vs. Celtics | 9 p.m. | TNT |
May 19
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Spurs vs. Grizzlies | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Warriors vs. Lakers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
May 20
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Loser | 8 p.m. | TNT |
May 21
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser | TBD | ESPN |
