Charlotte Hornets Aim to End Three-Year Playoff Drought

Team sits at .500 with 14 games left, seeking first winning season since 2023

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Charlotte Hornets are 34-34 with just 14 games left in the regular season, putting them in position to end a three-year playoff drought and clinch their first winning season since 2023. After starting the year 4-14 and being 11 games under .500 at the midway point, the Hornets have rallied to get back to .500 and have a chance to finish the season strong with 10 of their final 14 games at home.

Why it matters

Making the Play-In Tournament and potentially earning a playoff berth would be a major accomplishment for the Hornets, who have struggled to find consistent success in recent years. Ending their three-year drought and securing a winning record would be a significant milestone for the franchise and its loyal fanbase.

The details

The Hornets have a favorable schedule down the stretch, with winnable games against the Grizzlies, Kings, Nets, and Pacers. They'll also face tougher opponents like the Heat, Knicks, 76ers, and Celtics, but playing 10 of 14 at home should give them an advantage. Head coach Charles Lee has emphasized the need for better focus and intensity at home, where the Hornets have struggled to a 14-17 record so far this season.

  • The Hornets have 14 games remaining in the regular season.
  • They started the season 4-14 and were 11 games under .500 at the midway point.
  • The Hornets will begin a 7-game homestand on Tuesday, March 19, 2026 against the Miami Heat.

The players

Brandon Miller

A forward for the Charlotte Hornets.

Miles Bridges

A forward for the Charlotte Hornets who has missed time due to ejections and suspensions.

Moussa Diabaté

A forward for the Charlotte Hornets who has missed time due to ejections and suspensions.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets.

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What they’re saying

“We've actually played pretty well on the road, and I think our record might say differently at home. Our fans are amazing, and I think that we will feed off of that, but we have to make sure that we bring a level of focus and readiness on this homestand because we play a lot of really good competition, and sometimes you can be too comfortable being home for that many days. The road, at times, makes you uncomfortable, makes you hungry, and we have to have that same hunger at home.”

— Charles Lee, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Hornets will begin a crucial 7-game homestand on Tuesday, March 19, 2026 against the Miami Heat. If they can take care of business at home, they'll be well on their way to securing their first winning season since 2023 and ending their three-year playoff drought.

The takeaway

The Charlotte Hornets have fought their way back to .500 after a dismal start, putting them in position to end a three-year playoff drought and clinch their first winning season in nearly half a decade. While they've struggled at home, the team's favorable late-season schedule and the chance to feed off their passionate fanbase could be the key to finally returning to the postseason.