Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets

Porter (knee) had a quality 2025-26 season from a statistical standpoint, averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 0.5 blocks and a career-high 2.2 steals across 33.2 minutes. However, the 26-year-old logged only 38 games and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in April. It's unknown when Porter will be cleared to suit up, though durability concerns could keep him on the bench regularly for the Bucks during the 2026-27 campaign, especially with Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro in the equation. Still, if Porter stays healthy, he can provide valuable minutes for a team that no longer has Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster.

Herro has spent his entire career with the Heat, averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.2 blocks, 0.7 steals and 38.2 percent shooting from deep across 32.5 minutes in 394 regular-season appearances. Without question, the 26-year-old is a capable scorer, though his defensive limitations can be a problem. Herro has also had issues staying healthy over the years, most recently logging only 33 regular-season games during the 2025-26 campaign. He underwent a minor foot procedure in April, but he should be ready to go for training camp. Herro is also set to hit free agency in 2027, assuming he can't work out a long-term agreement with the Bucks.

Knueppel's status for Opening Night remains uncertain as he continues to work his way back from his left hamstring injury. Peterson's comments suggest the Hornets aren't ready to rule out the second-year wing, though his availability will likely become clearer as training camp progresses. He has already been ruled out for the entire preseason, to be clear.

Williams will be re-evaluated the first week of the regular season, putting his status for Opening Night in the air. Williams will have a difficult path to minutes this season as he competes with the likes of Naz Reid, Royce O'Neale and Tidjane Salaun.

Hall sustained the injury in the G League Greensboro Swarm's playoff win over the Maine Celtics on March 31. The big man appeared in 19 regular-season games (two starts) with Charlotte, averaging 4.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per contest. He's signed to a two-way deal with the Hornets and is slated to return next season.