Predicting How the Charlotte Hornets Will Do in the 2024 NBA Cup

Way-too-early game-by-game predictions of the Hornets' pool play.
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The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup schedule was released on Tuesday and the Charlotte Hornets will take on three Eastern Conference contenders in Orlando, New York, and Philadelphia, in addition to Brooklyn.

How will the fare in these matchups? Here's a way-too-early prediction.

Nov. 12 at Orlando Magic - Loss

Winning on the road in the NBA is difficult, but especially during the in-season tournament when the crowd is really into it as opposed to some random middle of the week game. Orlando took a massive step forward a year ago with the core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. The Hornets have lost five of their last six to Orlando, including the last two on the road.

Nov. 19 at Brooklyn Nets - Win

The Nets are in a massive rebuild. They have a handful of decent players, but this is one of the few teams I'm confident in saying the Hornets have more depth than. I know I just said that whole thing about winning on the road in this tournament, but this is one of the bottom feeders of the Eastern Conference.

Nov. 29 vs. New York Knicks - Loss

When New York comes to town, it's basically a home game away from home for them. New York/New Jersey transplants have taken over the Carolina's in recent years and it's noticeable when the Knicks arrive. Not to mention, the Knicks are going to be a heavy favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, aside from Boston. New York's frontcourt is too much for this Hornets team to handle.

Dec. 3 vs. Philadelphia 76ers - Win

The Sixers improved their starting lineup with the welcomed addition of Paul George, but their bench isn't all that exciting. Although I expect the Hornets to be a fringe play-in tournament team, they're not going to lose every single game against better competition. They'll win some games they probably shouldn't, just like the nights where they may fall to the Portland Trail Blazers. It's the NBA, weird things happen. This is a game I think the Hornets can steal with a big, energetic crowd on hand. And yes, I know 76er fans show up for this one too.

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Schuyler Callihan
SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

schuylercallihan(at)gmail.com  Twitter:@Callihan_ Schuyler Callihan is the lead publisher of Mountaineers Now, All Panthers, and All Hornets on FanNation/Sports Illustrated. He took over publishing duties of All Panthers in 2020 and wanted to expand his professional coverage in the Queen City by running the operations at All Hornets. Schuyler attended Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia before finishing up his schooling at Alamance Community College in Graham, North Carolina. The Wheeling, West Virginia native made the move to North Carolina in 2015 and has been in Charlotte since 2021.