The Charlotte Hornets started their seven-game homestand on a strong note, winning their first five games. But things have quickly taken a turn, as they’ve now dropped back-to-back games, including a 114-99 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
This one never really felt close, witnessing only three lead changes and just one tie the entire game.
On paper, this looked like a game the Hornets should have taken. The Celtics were missing their biggest contributors, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, along with regular absentee Nikola Vucevic. However, the shorthanded Celtics found a way to step up.
Jayson Tatum led the charge with a big night, putting up 32 points along with five rebounds and eight assists in what was his best performance since returning to the lineup. He got strong support from Payton Pritchard, who added 28/6/6, and Neemias Queta, who chipped in 17 points on an efficient 61.5% shooting and grabbed eight rebounds.
For Charlotte, their usual top performers struggled. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, who normally combine for nearly 40 points per game, were held to just 13 points each. LaMelo Ball finished with 19 points, close to his season average of 19.7 points per game, but it came on inefficient shooting, hitting just 36.8% from the field and 25% from three-point land.
There were some bright spots off the bench, though. Coby White, Liam McNeeley, and Sion James all scored in double figures, combining for 32 points and providing some energy. Still, it wasn’t enough to overcome a tough night overall for the Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets playoffs picture: Updated Standings
Sunday’s loss at the Spectrum Center dropped the Charlotte Hornets to 39-36, but it didn’t affect their place in the standings. They’re still holding on to the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Hornets have already locked in a play-in tournament berth, but there’s still something to play for. They could climb to a better position in the play-in or even push toward a direct playoff spot.
Right now, they sit three games behind the sixth-place Atlanta Hawks. While that gap isn’t mathematically impossible to close, it’s a tough ask with only seven games left in the regular season.
A more realistic target is the eighth seed. The Hornets are just half a game behind the Orlando Magic, which keeps that opportunity well within reach. Finishing eighth would be a big advantage, giving them two chances to make the playoffs instead of just one if they stay in ninth or 10th.
Charlotte Hornets playoffs picture: Remaining Schedule
The road ahead for the Charlotte Hornets won’t be easy. They have the eighth toughest remaining schedule in the league and the second toughest in the Eastern Conference, with their upcoming opponents boasting an average win rate of 52.4%.
Over the final two weeks, the Hornets will only play two teams with worse records than theirs, the Brooklyn Nets and the Indiana Pacers. In the other five games, only the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves come from the Western Conference, and both have stronger records as well.
To make matters worse, the Hornets will wrap up their regular season with their toughest stretch of the campaign. During this three-game period, they will be going up against the top three teams in the East: the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks.
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