National Basketball Association

Charlotte Hornets Look Like Early Favorites to Win Division Title

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Only five games into the 2016-17 season and the Charlotte Hornets already look like the early favorites to win their first ever Southeast Division title.

The Charlotte Hornets have a 4-1 record after their first five games this season. They currently sit atop the Southeast Division, just half a game ahead of the Atlanta Hawks. It is way too early to have anything locked up but the Queen City team do look like the early favorites to win the division title this season.

Charlotte has been impressive in their first five games winning by an average of 9.2 points. While they haven’t face the stiffest of competition, the team has won games that they should win. Their lone loss came to the Boston Celtics, who are projected to be a top-three seed in the East.

The Hornets have already defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Brooklyn Nets this season. They are off to their best start since the 2000-01 season and Steve Clifford’s side doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Kemba Walker and company are playing at a high level but we will see how they fair once tested against top teams.

More from Swarm and Sting

Miami Heat

Charlotte has already beaten the Heat in Miami this season after coming back from a 19-point deficit. Miami lost key players from last year’s team like Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng. They have a young squad that is likely a year or two away from actually competing for a division title. They only have a 2-3 record through five games.

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta looks to be Charlotte’s toughest divisional opponent this season. Even though they lost Al Horford, the Hawks are a dangerous team that is well coached by Mike Budenholzer. The Hornets have yet to face the Hawks this season but you’ve got to think that Charlotte looks more impressive out of the gates. They are 4-2 through their first six games this year.

Orlando Magic

The Magic are a young, athletic team with a bright future but that future isn’t now. They have frontcourt issues that need to be sorted out and Charlotte was 3-1 against the Florida-based team last year. The Hornets will look to continue their success over the Magic in 2016 as well. Orlando is only 3-3 through their first six games this season.

Washington Wizards

Washington has easily been the most disappointing team so far this season in the NBA. They are only 1-4 through their first five games and their situation doesn’t look to be improving anytime soon. The Hornets were only 2-2 against the Wizards last year but if the start of this season is any indication of their success for 2016, then Charlotte should sweep the season series.

Only time will tell if the Charlotte Hornets can finally win their first Southeast Division title this season. After this strong start to the season, they should be the odds-on favorites for the rest of the year. The 82 game NBA season is long and tumultuous and anything can happen.

This article originally appeared on