Charlotte Hornets Expect Raucous Crowd for NBA Play-In Game

Coach Lee says the Hive will be 'lit' as Hornets host the Heat in the postseason for the first time in a decade.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:43pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a high-stakes NBA playoff game.The electric atmosphere at Spectrum Center will be a crucial factor as the young Hornets embrace the high-stakes intensity of the NBA Play-In Tournament.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets are hosting their first postseason game in 10 years, and head coach Steve Lee expects the Spectrum Center crowd to be electric for the NBA Play-In Tournament matchup against the Miami Heat. The Hornets have seen 25 sellouts this season, including 15 in a row to end the regular season, and Lee says the fans will be a key factor as the young Hornets team embraces the win-or-go-home mentality of the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Hornets' return to the postseason is a significant milestone for the franchise, which has struggled to build a consistent winner in recent years. A raucous home crowd could provide a major boost as the Hornets look to pull off an upset against the more experienced Heat team.

The details

The Hornets closed the regular season on a 28-11 run to finish 44-38 and earn a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Coach Lee says the team has benefited from facing playoff-caliber competition down the stretch, helping prepare them for the intensity of the postseason. Rookie Kon Knueppel, who has NCAA Tournament experience, says the team is focused solely on the Heat and embracing the win-or-go-home mentality.

  • The Hornets host the Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2026.
  • The Hornets went on a 9-game win streak starting on January 22, 2026, helping propel them to a winning record.

The players

Steve Lee

Head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, leading the team to its first postseason appearance in a decade.

Kon Knueppel

Rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets, who is drawing on his NCAA Tournament experience to prepare for the intensity of the Play-In game.

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What they’re saying

“I expect it to be lit. My wife went to a Panthers playoff game recently and called me saying it was insane. This town is ready for a winning team and a playoff atmosphere. I expect the same here. We need everyone to come, be engaged, and stay with it, no matter what happens. Our team will stay with it, and we need consistent support from the fans.”

— Steve Lee, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

“I think you come in with a focus on the task at hand. You're not focusing on future games, possible matchups, you're focusing on the Miami Heat. That's what you do in the NCAA Tournament. That's really what we've done all season, focus on the team you're about to play, put all your energy into them, and worry about the next game the next day.”

— Kon Knueppel, Rookie Forward, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The winner of the Hornets-Heat Play-In game will advance to face the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

The Hornets' return to the postseason after a 10-year drought has the city of Charlotte buzzing, and a raucous home crowd could be the X-factor as the young team embraces the win-or-go-home intensity of the playoffs for the first time.