Hornets release preseason schedule. When is Charlotte’s first game in re-imagined arena?
.JPG "Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, left, talks with forward Miles Bridges, right, during first half action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.")
Set a reminder for October 6 on the mobile phone calendar.
That’s when the Charlotte Hornets will tip off their 2024-25 preseason and play their initial game following the first phase of renovations at Spectrum Center. They’re going to host the New York Knicks, a team that made plenty of offseason headlines with the acquisition of Mikhal Bridges and re-signing of OG Anunoby, on Oct. 6.
Charlotte’s opening matchup with the Knicks should also mark the sideline debut of coach Charles Lee and the first outing for star point guard LaMelo Ball as his season ended prematurely again due to another ankle injury.
A quick turnaround awaits the Hornets in the aftermath of their preseason opener. They take on Southeast Division rival Miami in uptown on Oct. 8, quickly completing the home portion of their exhibition schedule.
Charlotte wraps up its preseason with a mini-road trip against the Knicks in New York on Oct. 15, and concludes in Indiana on Oct. 17, with their final tune up before the games start to count. The NBA’s regular-season schedule should be released later this month.
Before training camp begins in September, though, the Hornets still have some more roster moves to make in order to get to the usual number of 20 prior to the start of full team activities.
Leaky Black’s release opened up a two-way slot, and the Hornets can sign someone else to join Moussa Diabate and rookie KJ Simpson to develop and shuffle between the G League’s Greensboro Swarm and the Hornets.
Charlotte also has a vacant spot on its main roster, allowing for flexibility leading into camp and beyond.
Charlotte Hornets 2024-25 preseason schedule
Oct. 6: vs. New York, 5 p.m.
Oct. 8: vs. Miami, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 at Memphis, 9 p.m.
Oct. 15: at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Indiana, 7 p.m.
