The 2024-25 NBA season has been difficult for the Charlotte Hornets. With a 19-56 record, injuries to key contributors have prevented the team from finding its rhythm, leading to a season far below expectations.
The Hornets entered Monday night’s game against the Utah Jazz on a five-game losing streak. They won 110-106, never trailing. Miles Bridges led with 26 points. Mark Williams added 18 points and 13 rebounds. This was their third win in the last 10 games. It could boost morale as they look to finish the season strong.
While the playoffs are out of reach, the Hornets still have an opportunity to impact in the final stretch. With several matchups against teams fighting for postseason positioning, the Hornets can embrace the role of spoiler—perhaps giving them the motivation needed to finish the season strong.
Playing Spoiler To The Indiana Pacers?
On Wednesday night, the Hornets will face the Indiana Pacers, battling to secure the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pacers currently hold a two-game lead over the Detroit Pistons and a 3.5-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks. Notably, the Hornets have won both previous matchups this season by 12 points.
However, the Hornets will be shorthanded in this contest as LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are sidelined. Meanwhile, Indiana comes into this game in strong form, having won seven of their last 10. Tyrese Haliburton has rediscovered his elite playmaking, averaging 22.3 points and 10.9 assists over that stretch. Alongside him, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin have provided valuable contributions, making the Pacers a formidable opponent.
Sacramento Kings
On Friday night, the Hornets will host the Sacramento Kings. The Kings are clinging to the Western Conference’s 10th and final play-in spot, holding a slim half-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks. The two teams last met in February when the Kings dominated in a 130-88 blowout. That loss marked Charlotte’s second straight defeat by 40 or more points, putting them on the verge of an unfortunate record.
Since then, the Kings have made significant changes, bolstering its roster with the additions of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Both players have provided a scoring punch, with DeRozan’s mid-range mastery and LaVine’s perimeter shooting adding new dimensions to the Kings’ offense. Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis continues to be a force, impacting the game with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. With this revamped lineup, Sacramento presents a tough challenge for the Hornets.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies recently made a significant shake-up, firing head coach Taylor Jenkins as they battle for playoff positioning. Currently, in fifth place, Memphis is two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth and three behind the Denver Nuggets for third. However, the standings are tight. The Grizzlies risk falling to eighth, with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Clippers close behind.
The last meeting between these teams was on January 22, when the Grizzlies won 132-120. With internal turmoil surrounding Memphis, the Hornets may have an opportunity to spoil any momentum the Grizzlies may be looking to gain. However, this matchup could still be a tough battle, with the Grizzlies now under increased scrutiny.
In Conclusion
The Charlotte Hornets may not be in playoff contention as the season ends, but they still have a chance to make an impact. In matchups against teams fighting for better seeding, the Hornets can play spoiler and affect teams’ playoff seeding. By competing hard in these games, the Hornets can disrupt their opponents’ momentum while gaining valuable experience for their young players. Ending the season on a competitive note could provide a boost heading into the offseason.
