Ranking the Top-5 Biggest Games From Hornets 2026-27 NBA Schedule

The Charlotte Hornets are entering a crucial 2026-27 NBA season following a busy offseason.

Charlotte isn't seen as a title contender, but this group could very well be a playoff team. The Hornets offense was very strong a year ago, and this franchise will try to replicate that success again.

But before the season gets started, what games should the Hornets have circled on the schedule? Here are the five biggest games from the upcoming season for Charlotte.

5. October 21 at Brooklyn Nets

It's a little cliché to have the opening game of the season on this list, but for Charlotte it makes sense. Star guard LaMelo Ball is gone, and this young team will need to prove itself this season without him.

This will be forward Brandon Miller's first chance to be the top option, and he will need to justify the trade. Thankfully, the Nets aren't expected to be very good, which could help the Hornets to get off to a strong start.

4. November 17 at Los Angeles Lakers

Going on the road to play the Lakers is never easy, but the Hornets' offense could keep them in this game. Charlotte will have a chance to earn some points against one of the biggest brands in sports if they can get a win.

This could boost the confidence of the young group, showing them that they belong as a playoff team. It won't be easy, especially if Lakers star Luka Doncic has something to say.

3. October 31 vs Philadelphia 76ers

After a strong offseason, the 76ers are seen as one of the title favorites in the Eastern Conference. Getting the chance to face off against the loaded 76ers early on in the year could show Charlotte how far they have come.

If they can grab a win, it could prove that this Hornets team may be a playoff team after all. But either way, this could be a measuring-stick game for this franchise. 

2. April 2 vs Milwaukee Bucks

While the Bucks may not be a rival of the Hornets, they are a fringe playoff team like Charlotte. With this game being a few weeks from the start of the playoffs, the Hornets could be batting for seeding here.

Getting a win over Milwaukee could help the Hornets get into the playoffs, which is the goal for this season. But the Bucks do have some players that can make life tough on the Charlotte defense, such as Tyler Herro or Myles Turner.

1. February 15 vs Minnesota Timberwolves

This will be the second time that the Hornets face off against Ball, but the first home game. Playing a former star can be tricky, especially since bonds are still formed from all the years together.

But if Charlotte can grab a win, it would justify the trade a little bit, giving them bragging rights. The last thing that this franchise wants is for Ball to come into their building to light them up for a win.