Hornets Could Pose Playoff Threat to Pistons or Celtics

Charlotte's young talent and recent surge make them a dangerous potential first-round opponent.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:25pm

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The Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics are set to be the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference, but they may not want to face the surging Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. Despite a slow start, the Hornets have turned their season around since January and boast a talented young core led by LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel. If the Hornets end up in the play-in tournament and face either the Pistons or Celtics, they could pull off an upset due to their explosive offense and newfound confidence.

Why it matters

The Pistons and Celtics are both hoping for an easy first-round matchup, but the Hornets could pose a serious threat. Charlotte has proven it can beat top teams, and its young stars give it the kind of firepower that can lead to playoff upsets. This could make for an exciting and unpredictable opening round in the East.

The details

After a 16-28 start, the Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since January, beating the likes of the Thunder, Spurs, and Celtics. Their turnaround has been fueled by the continued development of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, as well as the emergence of rookie Kon Knueppel as a Rookie of the Year candidate. The Hornets also showed their fight in a February brawl with the Pistons, demonstrating their competitive spirit. If the Hornets face the Pistons in the first round, Cade Cunningham's health could be a key factor, while a matchup with the Celtics would pit Charlotte against a former assistant coach in Charles Lee.

  • The Hornets have been surging since January 2026.
  • A fight between the Hornets and Pistons occurred on February 9, 2026.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard who has led their turnaround this season.

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' talented young forward who has been a key part of their resurgence.

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' rookie guard who has emerged as a Rookie of the Year candidate.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star player who is recovering from a collapsed lung and could be a key factor if the Hornets face Detroit in the playoffs.

Charles Lee

The Hornets' head coach who previously served as an assistant with the Celtics, giving him familiarity with Boston's team.

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What they’re saying

“If the Charlotte Hornets end up in the play-in, they would be the most dangerous team that could come out of it. After a 16-28 start, the Hornets have been surging since January and have beaten the likes of the Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Boston. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are healthy and motivated. Kon Knueppel has been fearless and is a Rookie of the Year favorite.”

— Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Writer

“Remember the Feb. 9 fight between the Hornets and Pistons? The Hornets surely still do. If Cade Cunningham (collapsed lung) isn't back to full strength, the Hornets could be a first-round challenger. And if the Hornets face the Celtics, coach Charles Lee is very familiar with the Celtics as a former Boston assistant. The Hornets could be a tough out despite their lack of playoff experience, given how explosive and random their offense can be and how confident they've been since January.”

— Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Writer

What’s next

The Hornets will need to secure a spot in the play-in tournament to have a chance at facing the Pistons or Celtics in the first round. The results of the play-in games will determine their potential matchup.

The takeaway

The Pistons and Celtics may be the top two seeds in the East, but they should be wary of facing the surging Hornets in the playoffs. Charlotte's young talent and recent hot streak make them a dangerous potential first-round opponent that could pull off an upset, especially if the Pistons' Cade Cunningham is not fully healthy.