The Charlotte Hornets are basically a “lock” for the playoffs now

With 9 games left on their schedule, the Hornets were probably already going to be a “lock” for the playoffs, but with LaMelo Ball returning, it is safe to say that they are going to be making the playoffs this year, probably in the play-in tournament. 

They are up a game on the Indiana Pacers, the 9-seed in the East, and 2.5 games up on the Washington Wizards, the 10-seed in the East, but they are also 5.5 games up on both the Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors who are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. 

Charlotte would have to completely unravel and fall apart for the Bulls and Raptors to overtake them in the standings, which is why the Hornets are basically a “lock” with LaMelo Ball being back. They have been a good team without him, but they are a great team with him on the court and he makes them so much better offensively. 

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In his first game back against the Pistons, you could clearly see the impact he made not only being a threat to score, but being able to control the pace of the game and make playoffs for his teammates. Charlotte shot 48.3% from the court in his return and they had 24 assists on 42 made baskets. 

LaMelo Ball would make any team’s offense better given how great he is as a facilitator and with him on the court, the Charlotte Hornets are going to be a team that will definitely not be a “pushover” in the playoffs.