Charlotte Hornets Brace for December Struggles
As the holiday season approaches, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a precarious position. With a current record of 6-15, the upcoming weeks look bleak, devoid of the festive cheer that typically accompanies this time of year. The Hornets are staring down the barrel of a challenging December, which could very well define the trajectory of their season.
The Tough Road Ahead
The NBA landscape is unforgiving, filled with teams that can spring surprises even against higher-ranked opponents. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they are among the teams struggling to find their footing. A closer look at their December schedule reveals an uphill battle.
Week 1 Challenges
The month kicks off with three daunting matchups.
Dec 3 vs. Knicks (13-7)
Dec 5 vs. Raptors (15-7)
Dec 7 vs. Nuggets (14-6)
Right out of the gate, the Hornets will square off against playoff contenders. The Knicks, particularly formidable at home with a 10-1 record, present a daunting challenge. Following that, the Hornets travel to Toronto, where the Raptors boast an impressive 8-2 record at home and will be eager to avenge a recent loss. Finally, they return to Spectrum Center to face the Nuggets, a team loaded with talent. A 0-3 start seems likely, and anything better would be an unexpected bonus.
Week 2 Outlook
The second week offers a glimmer of hope.
Dec 12 vs. Bulls (9-11)
Dec 14 at Cavaliers (13-9)
The matchup against the Bulls could present an opportunity for victory, but the Bulls’ inconsistency makes them a wildcard. If they show up as the team that started 5-0, the Hornets could be in for a rough night. The Cavaliers, while not as dominant as some predicted, still have the potential to pose a significant threat with their lineup, particularly if they manage to regain their health.
Week 3 Dangers
Entering the third week, the outlook remains grim.
Dec 18 vs. Hawks (13-9)
Dec 20 at Pistons (17-4)
Unless major injuries strike either the Hawks or the Pistons, these games are likely to be lopsided. The potential return of Trae Young for Atlanta only adds to the challenge.
Week 4 Trials
As December progresses, the Hornets face:
Dec 22 at Cavaliers (13-9)
Dec 23 vs. Wizards (3-17)
Dec 26 at Magic (13-8)
A matchup against Cleveland at their home court will not be easy, especially if the Cavaliers regain their top players. However, the game against the Wizards is a must-win. With a dismal record of 3-17, the Wizards represent a rare opportunity for the Hornets to snag a victory. The game against the Magic will likely be yet another tough outing, as the Hornets have struggled against them in recent seasons.
Week 5 Variability
The final stretch of December features:
Dec 29 vs. Bucks (9-13)
Dec 31 at Warriors (11-11)
This week is perhaps the most unpredictable. The Bucks may be facing internal turmoil, with the possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded. The Warriors, while aging and injury-prone, could also see key players like Steph Curry miss action, making them a less daunting opponent.
Potential Outcomes
Best Case: 6-6
In a perfect world, the Hornets could rally following a rough start. With Josh Green’s return boosting their defense, they could claim victories against the Bulls, an injury-stricken Cavaliers team, and the Wizards, closing the month on a high note against a weakened Bucks and Warriors.
Worst Case: 0-12
Conversely, a nightmare scenario could unfold with significant injuries sidelining stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. In this grim outlook, even promising rookie Kon Knueppel would struggle to make an impact.
Realistic Scenario: 2-10
The most likely outcome may fall somewhere in between. The Hornets, plagued by injuries and lineup inconsistencies, could manage wins against the Wizards and possibly the Bucks or Hawks. However, given their track record, a consistent performance seems unlikely.
As the Hornets navigate through this treacherous December, fans can only hope for resilience and effort from their team. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining their fate as they strive to overcome the odds stacked against them.
