This selection marks the beginning of a few of my hot takes. Should the Hornets realistically rank in the top 10? Probably not, but their +3.2 net differential ranks fifth in the East and eighth in the NBA.
Albeit, in previous years this misnomer hasn’t translated into success, but something about James Borrego’s coaching and Kemba Walker‘s absolute brilliance tells me it will this season. I picked Charlotte to be among the rising squads in the preseason and so far they are on track to make my prediction correct.
Charlotte Hornets:
Offensive Rating: 5th
Defensive Rating: 16th
Net Differential: 8th
Points per game: 114.2 (7th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 45.7 percent (16th)
Opponent points per game: 110.8 (18th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 45.9 percent (tied 15th)
Record: 7th in EC (13-13) 2-1
Home: 9-5
Road: 4-8
Back to back sets: 3
Versus the East: 12-8
Versus the West: 1-5
Week eight 2-1: Lost @Timberwolves, beat Knicks, @Nuggets
On tap for week 9: Pistons, Knicks, Lakers