March 4, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) drives toward the basket in the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Two teams that have found the right equipment at the ideal time will meet on Friday night when the Miami Heat visit the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets extended their winning streak to six games, the longest such streak in the NBA, after defeating the host Boston Celtics 118-89 on Wednesday. Every result in the streak came by double-digit scores.
The Hornets have been on a roll over the past month and a half.
“It depends on our speed and physicality,” said Charlotte center Moussa Diabate. “Obviously we have good shooters and they can make shots, but overall it’s just being physical and running and never stopping no matter what and just keep attacking.”
The Heat will be aiming for their first four-game winning streak since the extended period from Dec. 26-January. 1. They are trying to improve their standings to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
“I think we need that pressure to push us into another gear,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “And there’s going to be a lot of pressure in this game. There’s going to be a lot of clutch games.”
Miami topped Brooklyn 126-110 on Thursday night thanks to 25 points from Tyler Herro.
The game in Charlotte will be a definite test for Spoelstra. He said he would give more minutes to key players while placing increased importance on results this season.
“There will be other instances where we need to play more minutes for our key players,” he said. “I started working on it.”
But he also knows he doesn’t want to force it on players who may have the disease. So, with the Heat heading into their second game in as many nights, there could be some complicated decisions to be made.
“This time of year, I know everyone is dealing with something,” Spoelstra said. “We have competitive, tough-minded players in the locker room.”
The Hornets continue to get used to having guard Cobe White on the floor, as he has made positive strides since recovering from injury after being acquired from the Chicago Bulls. He scored 17 points in 20 minutes off the bench against Boston.
“He’s going to continue to get better and learn,” Charlotte swingman Brandon Miller said. “His confidence is everything. He plays with that flow and freedom. That’s all I ask of him is to play free and confident.”
White said he likes what the Hornets have been able to accomplish defensively, as they have held three opponents in a row to under 95 points.
“We’re just playing physical and making them take tough contested shots,” he said.
Charlotte’s lineup rotation could be affected by the status of forward Grant Williams, who missed the Boston game due to right knee soreness.
For Miami, this visit will be the first of two visits to Charlotte in less than two weeks, with the return on March 17. The Heat beat the Hornets 144-117 in Miami on Oct. 28 and again 126-108 on Nov. 7.
–Field level media
