Charlotte Hornets' Starting Five Dominating the NBA

Hornets' lineup has league's best net rating as team aims to end 11-year playoff drought

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:22pm

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With just one week left in the NBA regular season, the Charlotte Hornets' starting lineup has emerged as the most efficient in the league. Led by LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Kon Kneuppel, and Moussa Diabate, this 5-man unit boasts a +29.3 net rating on 928 possessions, the best mark among all lineups that have played at least 270 minutes together.

Why it matters

The Hornets' dominant starting lineup has been a key factor in the team's push to end an 11-year playoff drought. Currently 8th in the Eastern Conference with a 42-36 record, Charlotte is fighting for a direct postseason berth, and their starters' historic production could be the difference-maker.

The details

The Hornets' starting five has outperformed all other NBA lineups that have played significant minutes together this season. Their +29.3 net rating edges out the Detroit Pistons' lineup (+28.5) and the Atlanta Hawks' unit (+24.5) for the top spot league-wide.

  • With just one week to go in the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the Hornets are making their final playoff push.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard and leader of their dominant starting lineup.

Brandon Miller

A key two-way wing player in the Hornets' starting five.

Miles Bridges

An All-Star caliber forward and integral part of the Hornets' starting unit.

Kon Kneuppel

A skilled big man rounding out the Hornets' starting lineup.

Moussa Diabate

A young, energetic center contributing to the Hornets' starters' success.

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What they’re saying

“This Hornets' lineup is just dominating the league right now. They're playing at an unbelievable level and could be the key to finally getting Charlotte back to the playoffs.”

— Analyst

What’s next

With one week left in the regular season, the Hornets will look to secure their playoff spot and end their 11-year postseason drought.

The takeaway

The Charlotte Hornets' starting lineup has emerged as the most efficient unit in the NBA this season, a major factor in the team's push to end their lengthy playoff drought. Their dominant performance could be the key to the Hornets finally returning to the postseason.