League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Match Previews

Hornets not selected for Christmas Day games, extend 38-year drought

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 10:54 PM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Hornets not selected for Christmas Day games, extend 38-year drought

Summary

The Charlotte Hornets have been excluded from the NBA's Christmas Day game schedule for the upcoming season, continuing their 38-year absence. The league announced its prime-time games for the 2026-27 season on August 11, revealing matchups between the Knicks and Spurs, Celtics and Heat, Lakers and 76ers, Timberwolves and Thunder, and Warriors and Nuggets. The Hornets, who have not played on Christmas Day since their inception in 1988, previously expected to compete for a Play-In Tournament position this year. The team's struggle for visibility on prominent stages remains a point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Hornets have never played a Christmas Day game in NBA history.
•Upcoming season's Christmas matchups include several marquee teams.
•Hornets aim for a Play-In Tournament spot in 2026-27.

Latest Updates

10:54 PMYahoo Sports — Hornets snubbed from the brightest stage again, continue 38-year drought

What they're saying

"
The Charlotte Hornets are the only current franchise in the NBA who have not been given a Christmas Day game throughout their history.
— Yahoo Sports

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Boston Celtics Charlotte Hornets Los Angeles Lakers Minnesota Timberwolves New York Knicks Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Basketball