Aug. 11, 2026, 6:54 p.m. ET
The NBA has announced its opening week and Christmas Day matchups for the 2026-27 season.The Charlotte Hornets were not selected for any of these nationally televised games.Charlotte remains the only NBA team in history to have never played on Christmas Day.
Tuesday, the NBA revealed both prime-time games during opening week and Christmas Day matchups as the 2026-27 season approaches. Despite playing in some thrilling contests last season, the Hornets were omitted from both lists, as many expect Charlotte to compete for a Play-In Tournament spot once again.
Since they were formed in 1988, the Hornets are the only team in league history that has not played on Christmas Day, a trend that will continue for at least one more season. Christmas Day matchups this season will be between the Knicks/Spurs, the Celtics/Heat, the Lakers/76ers, the Timberwolves/Thunder and finally the Warriors/Nuggets.
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