The NBA has unveiled its 2024-25 season calendar yesterday, giving Charlotte Hornets fans hope and concern. On the bright side, the Hornets will be featured on national television seven times: six times on NBA TV (11/21 vs. Detroit, 11/29 vs. New York, 12/28 vs. Oklahoma City, 1/20 vs. Dallas, 3/3 vs. Golden State and 4/6 vs. Chicago), and once on ESPN (1/17 vs. Chicago).
However, the season begins with a tough challenge. Six of the Hornets’ first ten games are against playoff contenders, including a two-game set against the Boston Celtics. The Hornets must start strong and set the tone early to challenge for a playoff spot. playground.
The schedule heats up as the Hornets prepare to embark on a five-game road trip beginning Jan. 9, with stops in Los Angeles (Lakers and Clippers), Phoenix, Utah and Chicago. For the first time in franchise history, the Hornets will enjoy a nine-game home stretch from Jan. 24 to Feb. 7. However, an eight-game road trip from Feb. 9 to 27, spanning the All-Star break, will follow. With 15 straight games throughout the season, the Hornets will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves.
These tough, high-stakes games could define the Hornets’ season. Let’s dive into these crucial games and find out why they matter to Charlotte’s quest to become a playoff contender.
3 Hornets regular season games to watch right now
October 23 in Houston
The Hornets will travel to Houston for the season opener to face the Rockets. Last season, the Rockets exceeded expectations, finishing 41-41 and earning an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference, a significant improvement over previous years. Their success was largely due to the free agent signings of Fred Van Vleet And Dillon Brooks. VanVleet solidified the point guard position, averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds on 41 percent shooting, including 38 percent from three-point range. Brooks chipped in with 12.7 points and 3.4 rebounds while bringing a new level of aggression to the court.
“Under first-year coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets have become a top-15 team after languishing among the league’s worst. Alperen Sengun His breakout season, in which he averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists, earned him third place in the Most Improved Player voting.
Houston’s quiet offseason saw them bring back much of the same team. They selected Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick in the 2024 draft. Sheppard impressed during summer league, showing why some thought he should have been the first-round pick. While he may still be finding his role, his potential impact on this game could be significant.
Last season, the Rockets swept the Hornets 2-0, with an average point differential of 16.5 points. However, with both teams likely rusty entering the season, this game presents a great opportunity for the Hornets to steal a win from a quality opponent. The Hornets will need to address the defensive shortcomings that plagued them last year if they hope to reverse the outcome this time around.
November 1st vs. Boston
In back-to-back home games, the Hornets will face the defending champion Boston Celtics. To be the best, you have to beat the best, and last season, the Celtics were arguably that. They dominated with a 64-18 regular season record and finished 16-3 in the playoffs. Offensively, the Celtics were a powerhouse, ranking 2nd in points per game (120.6), 1st in offensive rating (123.2) and at the top of the ranking league in three-point shots made and attempted (16.5 and 42.5). Defensively, they were just as formidable, finishing 5th in opponents’ points per game (109.2) and 3rd in defensive rating (111.6).
During the offseason, the Celtics prioritized retaining the key players who led them to the title. While they lost their assistant coach Charles LeeThey have entered into long-term agreements for Jayson Tatum (a five-year loan of $304 million extension), Derrick White (a four-year contract worth $125.9 million) extension), And Sam Hauser (a four-year contract worth $45 million) extension).
However, the offseason has not been without controversy. Tatum and Jaylen Brown found themselves at the center of a debate involving Team USA. Despite being the best player in the finals and one of the best two-way players, Brown was controversially left off Team USA, sparking a heated debate. debateTatum, who made the team, saw his playing minutes limited, leaving some fans perplexedAs the season gets underway, both players will be eager to prove themselves and make strong statements on the pitch.
Last season, the Celtics won the series 2-1. In the losses, the Hornets were outscored by 23.5 points, but they still pulled out a 121-118 overtime victory on Nov. 20. The Hornets have a tough challenge against motivated champions and need to be at their best to compete.
November 6 vs. Detroit
The Pistons and Detroit Hornets struggled in the Eastern Conference last season, but offseason changes could make this matchup interesting. Last season, the Pistons got the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. After a promising 2-1 start, they set an NBA record in losing 28 consecutive games. In addition to this historic streak, the Pistons have suffered four separate losing streaks of six games or more. Wins have been hard to come by, as the Pistons have only managed three two-game winning streaks all season.
This summer, the Pistons underwent a major overhaul. They separate paths with General Manager Troy Weaver and Head Coach Monty Williams, bringing Trajan Langdon And JB Bickerstaff to lead the franchise. In the draft, the Pistons selected Ron Holland with the 5th overall pick and traded 16 spots in the second round to pick Bobi KlintmanThey added a much-needed veteran presence in free agency by trading for Tim Hardaway Jr. Dallas Mavericks and the signing Tobias Harris And Malik BeasleyThey also re-signed Simone Fontecchio and extended Cade Cunningham with a maximum rookie contract of more than $200 million.
What makes this game particularly intriguing is the rivalry that is brewing. Jeff Teague podcastGreen joked that he’d rather be traded to the Pistons than the Hornets, quipping, “Don’t trade me to Charlotte.” The light-hearted dig didn’t go down well. Miles Bridgeswho responded with a flurry of middle fingers emojis. That back-and-forth play motivates the Hornets as they look to prove they’re a rising team in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons swept the Hornets 3-0 last season, but this year’s roster overhaul could change the balance of the rivalry.
In conclusion
The 2024-25 Charlotte Hornets season presents a mix of tough matchups and opportunities for growth. With a revamped roster and a certain determination, the Hornets have the potential to surprise their opponents and establish themselves as title contenders in the Eastern Conference. Whether they face defending champions or rebuilding rivals, each matchup will test their resolve and their ability to overcome last season’s challenges. This season will be crucial in determining the Hornets’ trajectory and proving they belong among the league’s elite.
