By: Ryan Stein

Currently occupying the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets won't have history on their side if they maintain their position. Since 2000, there has only been one 7 seed that has one their first round matchup in the playoffs (2010 Spurs.) That being said, the Hornets will buck tradition in the upcoming NBA playoffs and win their first round series, regardless of where they end up in the standings.

Welcome back to Far-Fetched Friday, where every Friday we give you a bold prediction that we believe will come to fruition. This time, we look at the change of fortunes in Charlotte. 

While the Hornets may be lacking in the superstar department, they have a quartet of high-level starters that have shown they can carry the load offensively on any given night. LaMelo Ball will have his first opportunity to make a name for himself in the playoffs, and there is a nice blend of youth and experience in the team's starting lineup. Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier have plenty of playoff experience to help guide the young players like Ball and Miles Bridges.

Charlotte also has a dynamic bench scorer in Kelly Oubre Jr., though there's still some work for the front office to do on the bench. The Hornets will certainly be buyers at the trade deadline, and shoring up the defense should be a priority. If they can acquire someone like Myles Turner to round out their starting lineup, this team will be truly dangerous. Despite lacking in top-end talent, the Hornets have enough difference-makers and potential to ultimately score an upset in this year's first round of the playoffs.