The Charlotte Hornets are quietly putting together one of their most intriguing stretches of the season. Winners of four of their last five, including a tidy three-game win streak over the Magic, Wizards, and 76ers, the Hornets are starting to look like a team with real momentum - and maybe even a little swagger.
It’s not just the wins, either. It’s how they’re stacking them.
The ball movement has been sharper, the defensive rotations tighter, and there’s a visible sense of urgency that wasn’t always there earlier in the year. With trade talks heating up around Miles Bridges - and Charlotte reportedly setting an eyebrow-raising asking price - it’s clear the front office is weighing its options.
But on the court, this group is playing like they’ve got something to prove.
And now, they’ve got a chance to keep that energy rolling into a marquee matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. That game, set for Thursday, is shaping up to be a real litmus test for both squads.
Dallas, for its part, is coming off a frustrating stretch. Despite winning four of their last five, they just got humbled by the Lakers in a blowout loss that exposed some lingering issues. Luka Dončić dropped 33 in his return to the home floor, but beyond that, the supporting cast struggled to keep pace - a concerning trend that’s popped up more than once this season.
One of the bigger question marks for Dallas right now is the situation surrounding Dante Exum. Injuries have muddied the waters, and it’s unclear where the Mavs stand on his role moving forward. That uncertainty, paired with some recent defensive lapses, makes this upcoming clash with Charlotte all the more important.
The Hornets are surging. The Mavericks are searching. And when those two trajectories meet, we’re bound to get a game that tells us a lot about where each team is headed as we inch closer to the trade deadline.
So buckle up - Hornets vs. Mavericks has all the ingredients for a game that could punch above its weight in late-January drama.