The 2026-27 season begins with a sharp contrast in Brooklyn. The Nets are building a new team piece by piece, while the Hornets arrive after a 44-win season with hopes of staying near the top of the Eastern Conference. On Wednesday night, both teams start at 0-0, and every new role will matter from the opening tip at Barclays Center.

Brooklyn’s biggest question is how quickly its fresh group can fit together. Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. give the Nets two proven forwards who can score in very different ways. Randle uses strength to drive into the lane, pull defenders toward him, and find open teammates. Porter, at 6-foot-10, can shoot over smaller defenders with a high release. He scored more than 24 points per game last season, so Charlotte cannot leave him space on the wing.

The new faces make the Nets even more interesting. Rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr. brings quickness, deep shooting, and strong attacks off the dribble. Egor Demin, the 6-foot-9 playmaker, gives Brooklyn unusual size at guard after his rookie year ended early because of a foot injury. If Brown pushes the ball forward and Demin sees passes over the defense, Randle and Porter could find clean looks.

Still, Brooklyn must improve its control. Last season, the Nets turned the ball over nearly 16 times per game, often giving opponents extra chances. Center Day’Ron Sharpe can help change the picture by grabbing missed shots, especially at the offensive end. Those extra possessions are like finding another turn in a game, and Sharpe’s strength could be vital against Charlotte’s active big men.

Charlotte brings a more polished attack. The Hornets scored 116 points per game last season because they moved the ball, made shots from deep, and used their size well on the boards. Kon Knueppel is the player who can bend Brooklyn’s defense. He hit 42.5 percent of his three-point tries as a rookie, which means defenders must chase him closely even when he does not have the ball.

That attention can open room for Brandon Miller, a 6-foot-9 scorer who can rise above defenders, and Coby White, the new starting point guard. White must set the pace while helping Knueppel and Miller get good chances. Charlotte also added Naz Reid, a powerful forward-center who can battle inside and step outside to shoot. He gives the Hornets another difficult choice for Brooklyn’s frontcourt.

Several Hornets, including Knueppel and White, are listed day-to-day for opening night, so their status deserves attention. If they play, Charlotte’s balance and experience give it an edge. Brooklyn has the home floor and exciting young guards, but the Hornets’ stronger shooting, rebounding, and proven winning habits should carry them to the first victory of the season.

Opening Night Brings a New Brooklyn Challenge Against Charlotte