5 Key Games to Watch in the Charlotte Hornets' 2024-25 Season

Matchups include games against top draft picks, playoff contenders, and a nationally televised game.

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024-2025 NBA season is just two months away, and the Charlotte Hornets are set to begin the Charles Lee era. 

With a talented young core led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, the team is poised to make a leap forward. 

While the full 82-game schedule offers numerous intriguing matchups, a handful of games stand out as particularly important for the Hornets' aspirations. 

Let's delve deeper. Here are five of the most important games on the Charlotte Hornets' 2024-2025 schedule, with additional details about their significance. 

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Season Opener vs. Houston Rockets (Oct. 23)

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The first game of the season sets the tone and expectations. The young Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, will face a rebuilding Rockets squad featuring Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks. This game will indicate early how both teams have progressed during the offseason.

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Home Opener vs. Miami Heat (Oct. 26)

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The Hornets’ home opener at the Spectrum Center vs. the Miami Heat, a consistent playoff contender, will provide a tough early-season challenge for the Hornets. This game is significant for the Hornets to try to establish their home-court advantage.

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San Antonio Spurs (Feb. 7)

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This matchup will showcase the top two picks in the 2023 NBA draft: Brandon Miller and Victor Wembanyama. All eyes will be on this game to see how these young stars fare against each other.

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Los Angeles Lakers (Jan. 27)

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LeBron James and the Lakers always bring excitement. This game will be a measuring stick for the Hornets, as they'll face a championship contender. It's also a chance for fans to see some of the league's biggest stars in action.

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Chicago Bulls (Jan. 17)

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The Hornets' only nationally televised game of the season carries added significance. It's a chance for the team to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.  The potential matchup between LaMelo Ball and his brother, Lonzo Ball, adds another layer of intrigue to this game.

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These five games highlight important moments throughout the season, from setting the tone early on to facing tough competition and showcasing their young talent. The Hornets' 2024-25 season promises to be filled with exciting matchups and opportunities for growth.

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