PREVIEW: The Charlotte Hornets arrive in Atlanta riding an eight-game winning streak, their longest since 1999, after defeating Houston 109-99 on Thursday. This remarkable run has propelled them into playoff contention at tenth in the Eastern Conference, just a half game behind the Hawks. The Hornets excel with efficient free throw shooting at 81.5% and maintain high spacing on offense, though they operate at the league's 24th-slowest pace. Charlotte's offensive firepower has been the engine behind their success, ranking eighth in the NBA with 118 points per 100 possessions, even as their defense allows 116.3 points per 100 possessions. The Hawks have recorded six wins in their last eight games while holding a 26-27 record as the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta boasts elite spacing on the offensive end, first in the league for passing, and operates with the league's second-quickest tempo. The franchise continues building around Jalen Johnson, who leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists and has been nearly unstoppable against Charlotte. Despite their recent success, the Hawks remain below league average offensively at 115.3 points per 100 possessions and defensively allow 115.9, keeping them firmly in the play-in conversation.