The Charlotte Hornets are heading into their March 12, 2025, game against the Atlanta Hawks with a 15-48 record, which places them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite their poor record, the Hornets have had some bright spots this season, particularly with the development of their young players. LaMelo Ball has emerged as one of the most promising young stars in the league, and his vision and playmaking ability have been a joy to watch. Ball’s scoring and assist numbers have been impressive, and he is undoubtedly the future of the franchise. Alongside Ball, Miles Bridges has had a solid season, offering athleticism, scoring, and energy, but like many of Charlotte’s players, his consistency has fluctuated. PJ Washington has also shown flashes of solid play, particularly on the defensive end, but Charlotte’s overall depth has been lacking. The team’s record reflects the growing pains of a rebuilding roster, and their main focus remains on player development and improving as a unit Charlotte has struggled with consistency in all aspects of the game, from offense to defense. While Ball’s dynamic playmaking has kept the Hornets competitive in some games, their lack of defensive cohesion has been their biggest downfall. Opponents often exploit the Hornets’ defensive weaknesses, and Charlotte has struggled to protect the paint and contest shots effectively. With a defense that is still a work in progress, the Hornets often find themselves in high-scoring affairs, which makes it difficult to secure victories.

Against a team like Atlanta, which has the offensive firepower to put up points quickly, Charlotte will need to be disciplined and play smarter on defense. One of the key areas where Charlotte has found success, though, has been on the offensive end. The team has the ability to generate points, especially when Ball is orchestrating the offense. The Hornets are a fast-paced team that excels in transition, and they will look to exploit Atlanta’s occasional lapses in defense by pushing the ball up the floor and getting quick shots. However, consistency in the half-court offense has been a struggle, and when the Hornets are forced to slow down, they can sometimes become disjointed. Charlotte’s key to success in this game will be getting out in transition, finding open shots, and maintaining offensive fluidity. Special teams play has been another area where the Hornets have struggled. Their bench depth has been inconsistent, and they have often found it difficult to get contributions from their secondary players. If Charlotte is going to compete with Atlanta, they will need players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jalen McDaniels to step up and provide scoring and energy off the bench. In addition to bench production, the Hornets’ ability to execute on both sides of the ball will be crucial in staying competitive throughout the game. If they can limit turnovers, play disciplined defense, and maintain offensive efficiency, Charlotte may have a chance to pull off an upset. While the Hornets are a long shot for the playoffs this season, they can still impact the outcome of other teams’ postseason hopes. They will aim to disrupt Atlanta’s rhythm and show the development of their young core in what will likely be a high-energy game. A strong performance against a team like the Hawks could be a valuable stepping stone for Charlotte as they continue to build for the future.