Charlotte Hornets: 5 must-see games on 2021-22 schedule
By Jason Huber
A rematch of the 2020-21 play-in game between Charlotte and Indiana
100. . 0. 0. Wed, Oct 20. 170. . 7 pm
Right out of the gates, Charlotte will have a chance to revenge their brutal blowout loss to Indiana in the play-in game last season that ended its season. Opening night against Indiana at the Spectrum Center will be a good first test to see how far the Hornets have come this offseason since that forgettable 144-117 loss in May.
The Pacers didn’t make too many changes this offseason and will have relatively the same team, but unlike the play-in game, guard Caris LeVert should be healthy after missing the matchup against the Hornets, which ultimately didn’t matter for Indiana.
Charlotte on the other hand will look a bit different with Gordon Hayward returned from injury, a new center in Miles Plumlee, Bouknight, and free-agent signings Kelly Oubre Jr., and Ish Smith.
It’s hard to imagine the Hornets taking this game lightly after going through a collapse to end last season, and the moves that were made this offseason were with a purpose to end their playoff drought.
The Pacers are a well-coached team with solid players in Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and LeVert, but Charlotte should have every chance to be just as good. It’ll only be game one of 82, but it should be an intriguing one to watch.