THE 2024-25 NBA season schedule for the Charlotte Hornets was published, presenting a combination of challenges and opportunities.
First-time head coach Charles Lee and his young team are eager to bounce back from last season’s struggles. The team will have a tough early-season schedule, with matchups against the defending champion Boston Celtics and powerhouse teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks, giving this young team an opportunity to test itself early.
The seasonal tournament always adds a new dimension to the season. The team will only have one nationally televised game, demonstrating their desire to be in the spotlight.
With LaMelo Ball leading the offense and Lee focusing on improving defensive efforts, and with a healthy roster, the Hornets are determined to reclaim their spot in the playoff picture.
The scene is set, the players are ready and the Queen City is eagerly awaiting a season full of promise for the future.
Key dates and confrontations
- Season opening: October 23 at Houston Rockets – The season opens on the road against a young and talented Rockets team.
- Home opening: October 26 vs. Miami Heat – The Hornets welcome a tough division rival to Spectrum Center for their home opener.
- Tournament in season: November 12 – December 14 – The Hornets will participate in the Emirates NBA Cup Tournamentwith group matches scattered throughout the regular season.
- Christmas Day: No match scheduled.
- Wembanyama Tours: February 7 vs. San Antonio Spurs – The Hornets host the highly anticipated Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.
- The Lakers in town: January 27 vs. Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James and the Lakers come to Charlotte.
- Only nationally televised match: January 17 at Chicago Bulls – Potential matchup between LaMelo Ball and his brother Lonzo Ball.
- Last two matches: April 11-13: The Hornets will face the Celtics in the final two regular-season away games against the defending champions for back-to-back matchups.
The hardest stretches
- Early Season Challenges: The Hornets’ first month of the season will include trips to Houston, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Orlando, Cleveland and Milwaukee.
- The December Gauntlet: A difficult December with confrontations against strong teams like the Knicks, the 76ers (twice), the Cavs and the Pacers.
- February West Coast Swing: A tough four-game West Coast road trip includes games against the Lakers, Clippers, Suns and Jazz.
- Back to back: The Hornets have nine straight games this season, including an early game against the Celtics on Nov. 1-2, which could impact player rest and performance.
The easiest stretches
- Intense stretching at home in January: The Hornets play 9 of 16 home games in January, giving them an opportunity to rack up wins.
- March – April Against weaker opponents: The Hornets will face several teams that are expected to be near the bottom of the standings in March and April, including the Wizards, Nets, Hawks, Raptors (twice) and Bulls.
General observations
- Lack of national television coverage: The Hornets only have one nationally televised game, indicating they are not yet considered a powerhouse team.
- Home start with a lot of force: The Hornets are playing 18 of their first 34 games at home, which could be beneficial early on.
- Impact of the tournament during the season: The in-season tournament always adds a little extra to the calendar.
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