About this episode
The Charlotte Hornets are emerging from the All-Star break with a legitimate opportunity to make franchise history. We look at the statistical path required to secure an outright playoff spot, noting that a 20-7 finish could allow the team to skip the Play-In tournament entirely. While that sounds like a tall order, the squad has maintained a top-tier net rating over the last twenty games, proving they can compete with the elite tier of the Eastern Conference. The focus remains on whether the team can maintain this momentum while navigating the final games of the Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges suspensions.Central to this postseason push is the unique impact of LaMelo Ball. Despite career lows in several shooting efficiency metrics, the offense performs at an elite level with him on the floor, trailing only Nikola Jokic in total offensive impact. We examine why Ball serves as the essential foundation for the roster and whether his self-created scoring will need to take a leap once defenses tighten up in a seven-game series. Additionally, we address the integration of Coby White and how his presence off the bench might alleviate the scoring burden on the starters. With a challenging schedule featuring multiple matchups against Boston and New York looming at the end of April, the margin for error is razor-thin. This is no longer about just being a competitive young group; it is about proving the Hornets belong in the conversation for the top five teams in the East.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… ? https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More ? https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM? Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOHEverydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.Visit https://TurboTax.com/lo
