Hornets Aim to Secure Play-In Spot After All-Star Break

Charlotte sits in 9th place in the East, but faces key tests to maintain position.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Charlotte Hornets enter the All-Star break in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, sitting in 9th place and in position to compete in the Play-In tournament. However, the team faces some key challenges in the coming weeks, including suspensions to key players and a tough upcoming schedule.

Why it matters

The Hornets have not made the playoffs in over a decade, so securing a Play-In spot would be a significant milestone for the franchise and its fans. Maintaining their position will require the team to navigate a tricky stretch without some of their top players.

The details

The Hornets currently hold the 9th seed in the East, which would put them in the Play-In tournament. However, they will be shorthanded to start, as Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté are suspended through February 24th. The team also has injury concerns, with Coby White and Liam McNeeley listed as day-to-day. In the next 10 days, the Hornets face the Rockets, Cavaliers, Wizards, and Bulls, with Bridges and Diabaté set to return for the Bulls game. This stretch will be crucial in determining if the Hornets can solidify their Play-In position or risk falling out of the race.

  • The Hornets hit the All-Star break in 9th place in the Eastern Conference.
  • Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté are suspended through February 24th.
  • Coby White and Liam McNeeley are listed as day-to-day with injuries.
  • The Hornets face the Rockets, Cavaliers, Wizards, and Bulls in the 10 days after the All-Star break.
  • Bridges and Diabaté are slated to return for the February 24th game against the Bulls.

The players

Miles Bridges

A key player for the Hornets who is currently suspended through February 24th.

Moussa Diabaté

Another Hornets player who is suspended through February 24th.

Coby White

A Hornets player who is listed as day-to-day with a calf injury.

Liam McNeeley

A Hornets player who is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Hornets have a chance to solidify their position in the Play-In race, but will need to navigate a tricky stretch without some of their top players. How they perform in the next 10 days could determine whether they secure a Play-In spot or risk falling out of the playoff picture.