Streaking Hornets blow out Celtics, look like East's biggest upset threat

Miller's dangerous outside shooting has forced defenses to play up on him on the perimeter, which creates more opportunities for a player who can drive — and dunk — like Miller can.

The Hornets have started dominating on the boards as well, especially on the offensive glass, where they're third-best in the NBA for the last six weeks. Facing a team that misses so rarely, the offensive rebounds are a killer.

Hornets could be scary to a first-round opponent

The Hornets are only 1.5 games out of seventh place in the Eastern Conference after the win, and 2.5 games behind the sixth-place Philadelphia 76ers. They could very well face the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

The Hornets' only three losses since Jan. 22 came in close games against top teams — the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets. They're 21-9 in 2026 and are showing enough defense and rebounding that their outside shooting can keep them in any game.

They also have an 18-15 record on the road, meaning they won't be intimidated by home-court advantage. No one would have guessed this back in October, but the Hornets are becoming the team no one wants to face in the postseason.