League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

ESPN forecasts Charlotte Hornets will finish 34-48 in 2026-27

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 7:23 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

ESPN forecasts Charlotte Hornets will finish 34-48 in 2026-27

Summary

ESPN predicts the Charlotte Hornets will have a 34-48 record in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, reflecting a decline from their previous 44-win season. This drop follows the team's decision to trade LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, raising questions about the sustainability of last year's success. Although ESPN projects the Hornets to finish 11th in the Eastern Conference, they are expected to be three games ahead of the Washington Wizards. The Hornets' playoff drought continues, having last qualified for the postseason in 2015-16, but the team’s mix of young talent and veterans could provide an opportunity for improvement this season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Charlotte Hornets finished 2025-26 season with 44 wins.
•ESPN predicts a drop to 34 wins for 2026-27 season.
•Hornets to finish 11th in the Eastern Conference, ahead of Wizards.
•Trade of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges raises sustainability concerns.
•Playoff drought extends back to 2015-16 season.

Latest Updates

7:23 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN predicts Charlotte Hornets record for 2026-27 season

What they're saying

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Although they finished with 44 wins last year, ESPN predicts that the Charlotte Hornets will finish 10 games worse during the 2026-27 season.
— Yahoo Sports

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