What tonight means for the Hornets' playoff race
The Hornets are 0-0 with a magic number of 83 and an elimination number of 83 — holding the No. 4 seed — Pistons is the first team outside the top 6, 0 back.
Nothing is decided for a top-6 seed tonight.
Top-6 seedMagic 83 · Elim 83
Nothing is decided for a top-6 seed tonight.
Not yet: at 83, the magic number is out of reach tonight; nothing tonight can move it.
Safe tonight: even if every result goes against them, the elimination number stays at 83 or higher.
Once tonight's games are final, the magic number will be 83 and the elimination number will be 83.
Play-in spotMagic 83 · Elim 83
Nothing is decided for at least a play-in spot tonight.
Not yet: at 83, the magic number is out of reach tonight; nothing tonight can move it.
Safe tonight: even if every result goes against them, the elimination number stays at 83 or higher.
Once tonight's games are final, the magic number will be 83 and the elimination number will be 83.
Division titleMagic 83 · Elim 83
Nothing is decided for the division title tonight.
Not yet: at 83, the magic number is out of reach tonight; nothing tonight can move it.
Safe tonight: even if every result goes against them, the elimination number stays at 83 or higher.
Once tonight's games are final, the magic number will be 83 and the elimination number will be 83.
No. 1 seedMagic 83 · Elim 83
Nothing is decided for the No. 1 seed and home court tonight.
Not yet: at 83, the magic number is out of reach tonight; nothing tonight can move it.
Safe tonight: even if every result goes against them, the elimination number stays at 82 or higher.
Once tonight's games are final, the magic number will be 83 and the elimination number will be 82.
Games that matter tonight
- Celtics at Pistons
- 76ers at Knicks
Every combination of these results (4 in all) was checked with the same conservative math as the standings page, so each path listed is a mathematical guarantee — no tiebreaker assumptions in your favor. Want the result-by-result version? The rooting guide on the team page shows what each game does to the numbers.
Get Charlotte Hornets alerts
One email the moment the Hornets clinch, are eliminated, or their magic number moves — plus the morning rooting guide if you want it. Free, in season only, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked questions
How can the Charlotte Hornets clinch a top-6 seed tonight?
Not yet: at 83, the magic number is out of reach tonight; nothing tonight can move it.
Can the Charlotte Hornets be eliminated tonight?
Safe tonight: even if every result goes against them, the elimination number stays at 83 or higher.
What is the Charlotte Hornets magic number right now?
The Charlotte Hornets magic number is 83 and their elimination number is 83. Once tonight's games are final, the magic number will be 83 and the elimination number will be 83.
How are these scenarios calculated?
Every combination of results in the NBA games that bear on the race tonight is enumerated, and the magic and elimination numbers are recomputed in each one with the same conservative math as the standings page. The paths listed are the minimal sets of results that guarantee the outcome no matter how the other games end.