The Charlotte Hornets are facing a challenging season, currently ranked 27th in ESPN's power rankings, just above the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, and Washington Wizards. A staggering statistic highlights their struggles: the Hornets have lost twice to the Wizards, who have one of the worst point differentials in NBA history and a dismal record of 1-23 against other teams since early November.
Injuries have plagued the Hornets, preventing them from fielding their optimal starting lineup. Key players such as LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller have missed significant time, while Mark Williams has just returned. Additionally, Nick Richards has been sidelined for several games, Grant Williams is out for the season, and Tre Mann has been unavailable since late November. With a manageable schedule, the Hornets still find themselves in a tough spot.
If the Hornets fail to secure wins soon, their focus may shift from competing for a play-in tournament spot to positioning themselves for the 2025 NBA Draft.