Hornets Aim to Rebound Against Hawks After Chaotic Loss

Charlotte looks to reset before All-Star break after Monday's altercation-filled defeat against Detroit.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Charlotte Hornets will play the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, just two days after a chaotic loss to the Detroit Pistons that saw four players ejected and head coach Charles Lee also getting tossed. With the All-Star break looming, the Hornets hope to regain their momentum and positioning in the Eastern Conference standings against an inconsistent Hawks team.

Why it matters

The Hornets had been on a nine-game winning streak before Monday's loss, which has left their lineup availability uncertain heading into the matchup with the Hawks. Charlotte remains firmly in the play-in picture, sitting just behind Atlanta in the standings, so this game is crucial for positioning before the All-Star break.

The details

In Monday's loss to Detroit, the Hornets' nine-game winning streak came to an end in a 110-104 defeat that spiraled into a third-quarter altercation, resulting in four player ejections and a fourth-quarter ejection for head coach Charles Lee. As of Wednesday morning, the NBA had yet to announce any discipline stemming from the incident, leaving the Hornets' lineup in flux. Despite the chaotic ending, Charlotte's recent surge had been built on solid defense, rebounding, and late-game execution - qualities they'll need to regain against an Atlanta team that has struggled defensively at times.

  • The Hornets' nine-game winning streak ended on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The Hornets will face the Hawks on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, just before the All-Star break.

The players

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who was ejected in the fourth quarter of Monday's loss to the Detroit Pistons.

LaMelo Ball

The starting point guard for the Charlotte Hornets.

Onyeka Okongwu

The starting center for the Atlanta Hawks.

CJ McCollum

The starting shooting guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

Gabe Vincent

The starting small forward for the Atlanta Hawks.

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What’s next

The NBA is expected to announce any disciplinary actions stemming from the altercation in Monday's Hornets-Pistons game before Wednesday's matchup against the Hawks.

The takeaway

This game against the Hawks is a chance for the Hornets to reset and regain their momentum before the All-Star break, after the chaotic ending to their nine-game winning streak. Charlotte needs to play with discipline and control to position themselves well in the Eastern Conference standings.