The Charlotte Hornets aim to extend their winning streak to five games, showcasing an evolving team dynamic. After a 112-97 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Hornets solidified their position, recording four consecutive wins for the first time since February 2022. Their current season record now stands at 20-28, placing them in 11th position in the Eastern Conference.
Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenge
Charlotte’s recent surge signals a marked improvement, especially after a prolonged struggle at the bottom of the standings. Their next challenge comes against the Dallas Mavericks, who currently sit at 19-28 and 11th in the Western Conference. Dallas is reeling from a 118-105 defeat to Minnesota and faces an uncertain injury landscape as they prepare for this important matchup.
Key Players Driving Success
The Hornets’ success is heavily attributed to their starting lineup, which includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté. This group has shown remarkable effectiveness, achieving a 10-1 record when playing together. Their collective performance has placed them among the top five-man units in the league this season, with a noted positive plus-minus in their recent games.
- Hornets’ record since the start of 2026: 9-6
- Current net rating rank: Near the top of the league
- Offensive efficiency: Elite
- Defensive stability: Improving as rotations stabilize
Injury Report and Potential Impact
Dallas is grappling with injuries to key players, including Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both sidelined for the game against Charlotte. Cooper Flagg’s status remains uncertain, with a possible designation as questionable. On the Hornets’ side, Mason Plumlee is officially out due to a groin injury.
Projected Starting Lineups
| Hornets | Mavericks |
|---|---|
| G LaMelo Ball | G Naji Marshall |
| G Brandon Miller | G Max Christie |
| F Kon Knueppel | F Caleb Martin |
| F Miles Bridges | F P.J. Washington |
| C Moussa Diabaté | C Daniel Gafford |
Anticipating the Matchup
The Hornets are focused on maintaining their defensive discipline against a Mavericks team that struggles with turnovers. If Charlotte’s starters can dictate the game’s pace, they have a strong chance to achieve their fifth consecutive victory. How Dallas counters, especially if Flagg is available, will be crucial in determining the match outcome.
This matchup presents an opportunity for Charlotte to further demonstrate their growth and capabilities in the ongoing season.
