Can the Hornets Break Out? 2025-26 Schedule Predictions Revealed

The 2025-26 Charlotte Hornets schedule has been released, giving fans their first glimpse of what could be a pivotal season. After an off-season focused on bolstering depth and talent, the Hornets aim to improve on last year’s 19-63 campaign and demonstrate they can compete at a higher level.

The schedule features a challenging five-game West Coast trip in January, followed by a seven-game home stand in March—key stretches that could define the season. While the team is projected to make strides, questions remain: Which month will showcase their best performance? When might they struggle? And could their overall record push them toward postseason contention? Let’s dive in.

2025-26 Hornets Schedule Best Month

Heading into January 2026 with a projected record of 11-20, the Hornets are expected to hit their stride and post their only winning month at 10-7. Charlotte drops two of its first three road games, then begins a four-game winning streak with key victories over the Raptors, Pacers, and Clippers.

Though losses to the Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets will briefly interrupt momentum, the Hornets could follow with a season-high five-game winning streak before closing out January with defeats against the Mavericks and Spurs. This stretch could be the team’s most promising showing of the season.

• 1/2 @ Bucks (L)
• 1/3 @ Bulls (W)
• 1/5 @ Thunder (L)
• 1/7 Raptors (W)
• 1/8 Pacers (W)
• 1/10 @ Jazz (W)
• 1/12 @ Clippers (W)
• 1/15 @ Lakers (L)
• 1/17 @ Warriors (L)
• 1/18 @ Nuggets (L)
• 1/21 Cavaliers (W)
• 1/22 @ Magic (W)
• 1/24 Wizards (W)
• 1/26 Sixers (W)
• 1/28 @ Grizzlies (W)
• 1/29 @ Mavericks (L)
• 1/31 Spurs (L)

2025-26 Hornets Worst Month

The Hornets face a tough December with a projected 3-8 record, but April looms as their hardest month. Charlotte could lose five of its final six games, a stretch that might end their playoff hopes.

The schedule pits them against several strong opponents, including the Celtics, Knicks, and Pistons—teams that are likely fighting for seeding. With fatigue setting in and the intensity of a playoff push ramping up, every game will be crucial. Multiple losses would crush their chances, though one upset might extend their postseason push.

• 4/2 Suns (L)
• 4/3 Pacers (L)
• 4/5 @ Wolves (L)
• 4/7 @ Celtics (L)
• 4/10 Pistons (L)
• 4/12 Knicks (W)

2025-26 In-Season Tournament

While the playoffs are uncertain, the possibility of playing for something significant could be substantial. In the in-season tournament, the Hornets could finish with a 2-2 record.

A solid showing in the tournament would give the Hornets momentum and highlight their young core’s progress. Success in the In-Season Tournament could energize fans and boost confidence inside the locker room. It would also provide valuable experience in high-stakes games, something Charlotte has lacked in recent years. Even without a playoff berth, competing for this trophy could mark an essential step in the franchise’s growth.

• 11/7 @ Heat (W)
• 11/14 @Bucks (L)
• 11/26 Knicks (L)
• 11/28 Bulls (W)

In Conclusion

The 2025-26 season brings both opportunity and uncertainty for the Charlotte Hornets. The schedule highlights stretches of promise, most notably a potential breakout in January, while also posing challenges that could derail postseason hopes late in the year. The In-Season Cup provides another chance for growth and excitement, giving the Hornets something meaningful to pursue beyond the standings.

Playoffs or not, Charlotte’s young core will define the season by handling adversity and seizing momentum. For fans, this schedule is more than a list of games—it’s the next chapter in a franchise still shaping its identity and future.

Projected Record: 34-48

The Hornets could finish 34-48 in 2025-26 due to a mix of growth and inconsistency. Their young core shows promise, capable of winning key games and surprising more vigorous opponents. However, lapses on defense, streaky scoring, and struggles against top-tier teams could limit overall success. If Charlotte capitalizes on winnable matchups but falters in more challenging stretches, a 34-48 record is a realistic projection.

Ceiling: 43-39

If their young core continues to develop and stays healthy. Strong performances in winnable games, combined with key wins against playoff-caliber teams, could push Charlotte above .500. If they maintain consistency on both ends of the floor and capitalize on favorable stretches, a 43-39 record is within reach and could put them in contention for a late-season playoff push.

Floor: 25-57

Tough stretches against elite teams, combined with scoring slumps and defensive lapses, could lead to frustrating losing streaks. Fans might see the team drop winnable games, making this a challenging, but realistic, season of growing pains.