We're in a new era for Charlotte Hornets fans. Instead of focusing on lottery picks and player development, we're talking about the current squad and their playoff potential.
The Hornets are on an impressive run, yet so is their competition, which has made the playoff race tighter than ever. Spots five through ten in the standings are separated by just two wins, with each team having about a dozen games left.
Let’s break down where things stand.
5. Toronto Raptors (39-31)
The Raptors are holding onto the 5th seed with the easiest remaining schedule among the playoff hopefuls in the Eastern Conference. However, they’ve been struggling, evidenced by a tough loss to the Suns and a sub-.500 record over the past two months.
Key games include matchups against the Magic and a crucial two-game series with the Heat in early April. They also face challenges against the Pelicans, Pistons, Celtics, and Knicks.
The Raptors aren't out of reach, but they'll need to step up.
6. Atlanta Hawks (39-32)
The Hawks had an 11-game winning streak, largely fueled by home games, but it was recently snapped. While the streak wasn’t against top-tier teams, it built confidence.
They have an easy game against the Grizzlies up next, but the rest of the schedule is daunting. Six of their final ten games are against playoff-bound teams, with additional tests against the Magic and Heat.
Maintaining their momentum will be crucial.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (39-32)
The 76ers have unexpectedly joined the play-in conversation after slipping from the 5th spot. Injuries to Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, along with Paul George's suspension, have been hurdles.
George is set to return, and his performance alongside VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes will be pivotal. The Sixers face the Hornets on Saturday, followed by a tough stretch against Miami and others before a slightly easier finish.
8. Orlando Magic (38-32)
The Magic are on a four-game skid, having been outplayed by the Hornets recently. They have a chance to rebound against weaker opponents, although Franz Wagner’s uncertain status complicates things. Their streaky nature makes it tough to predict their path in the final weeks.
9. Miami Heat (38-33)
The Heat are also on a four-game losing streak, including a significant loss to the Hornets. Upcoming games against the Spurs and Cavaliers won't be easy, and they have crucial matchups against the Raptors. With several games against direct competitors, the Heat have a significant role to play in this playoff race.
10. Charlotte Hornets (37-34)
The Hornets have been winning but remain in the 10th spot. They face the Kings next in a winnable game before a critical three-game stretch against the Celtics, Knicks, and 76ers.
To climb the standings, they'll need victories against the Nets, Suns, and Pacers before a tough season-ending schedule. Achieving a 2-2 record in those final games would be commendable, but ideally, they'd already be higher up by then.
The playoff race is heating up, and every game counts as these teams vie for position. It's an exciting time to be a fan, with plenty of drama yet to unfold.