Nets Face Hornets in 2025-2026 Opening Night Showdown

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – The Brooklyn Nets begin their 2025-2026 NBA season with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on October 22, 2025. The game tips off at 7:10 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center.

This season is crucial for both teams, who struggled last year. The Hornets finished with a 19-63 record, while the Nets had a slightly better 26-56 record. Both franchises are looking to make significant improvements.

Hornets head coach Charles Lee starts his second season aiming for a better outcome. The team boasts several young talents, including LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and hopes they can surprise fans this year. Ball, who has missed significant time due to injuries, is expected to lead the charge.

“We need LaMelo on the court to assess our progress as a team,” said Hornets president Jeff Peterson during media day. “His playmaking and scoring are vital to our success.”

The Nets, meanwhile, welcome Michael Porter Jr., who has much to prove after an inconsistent previous season. Porter Jr. aims to solidify his role as the second scoring option behind Cam Thomas, who was a standout for Brooklyn last year, averaging 24 points per game.

“This is an important season for me,” Porter said. “I want to show everyone what I’m capable of, especially on defense.”

Both teams have faced some roster challenges, with injuries affecting their lineups. The Nets will miss Haywood Highsmith, while the Hornets will be without Josh Green and Grant Williams. Despite this, both squads are eager to kick off the season strong.

Recent drafts have changed the landscape for both teams. The Hornets selected rookie Kon Knueppel as the fourth overall pick, expecting him to make an immediate impact. The Nets invested in young players, including Egor Demin and Ben Saraf, hoping to enrich their roster long-term.

In their last matchup last season, the Nets struggled against the Hornets, showing the need for improvement as they enter this new campaign. With both teams eager to turn the page, the opening night promises to be a thrilling start to the NBA season.

The anticipation is high as fans expect fireworks on the court, especially from Ball, who aims for an All-Star season if he can stay healthy.