Mar 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Zeller (40), guard Gerald Henderson (9) and forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) congratulate each other during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
This has been one of the most exciting off-seasons in Charlotte Hornets recent history and the team has an optimistic outlook on the 2015-2016 season. Many fans can’t wait to see the team in action out there on the floor. With many new players like Nicolas Batum, Frank Kaminsky, and Jeremy Lin, the city of Charlotte and the team have high hopes looking forward. The 2015-2016 season will be the test to see if this team can live up to expectations. Many expect the Hornets to make the playoffs as a lower seed in the Eastern Conference. It will be interesting to see how the players gel together this year. And if after 7-8 months of basketball and at the end of 82 games, will this team be able to reach the playoffs and compete once they are there.
The Charlotte Hornets released their full 82 game regular seasons schedule this week and we will now know when and who they will face over the course of next season.
Here are some important points laid out in the team’s press release:
- The Charlotte Hornets open their 2015-16 regular season with three straight contests vs. Southeast Division opponents, starting with the season opener at the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Charlotte then faces the Atlanta Hawks in a home-and-home series, first in Atlanta on Friday, Oct. 30, before hosting the Hawks in the team’s Home Opener at Time Warner Cable Arena on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. This marks the first time since the 2005-06 campaign that Charlotte has opened its season with two straight road games.
- The Hornets will open the season with six of the team’s first nine games on the road before returning home to play 10 of their next 12 games, including a season-high seven-game homestand from Nov. 18 – Dec. 2. The 82-game slate features 18 weekend home dates, including seven Fridays, eight Saturdays and three Sundays. The Hornets will appear on ESPN on April 13 vs. Orlando and have five games scheduled to air on NBATV.
- The home portion of the Hornets schedule includes lone visits to Charlotte from the following opponents: Reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry and the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Dec. 2; Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers on Monday, Dec. 28; Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and the L.A. Clippers on Wednesday, Dec. 30; and Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, Jan. 2.
- Among those opponents visiting Charlotte multiple times this season include: LeBron James and the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Nov. 27 and Wednesday, Feb. 3; Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Feb. 5; Carmelo Anthony and the N.Y. Knicks on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 23; and Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Monday, Feb. 8.
- The complete Hornets local television schedule will be released at a later date. All 82 regular-season games will be broadcast on the Hornets flagship radio station, WFNZ (610AM), beginning with the pregame show starting 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The radio broadcast can also be heard live via the Hornets App.
First we would like to take a look at the team’s holiday games that they will be playing in this year.
Next: Holiday Games