Charlotte Hornets vs Philadelphia 76ers: preview and player stats (Mar 3, 2027)

Knueppel (hamstring) was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain Sunday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Knueppel missed the first eight games of the 2026-27 campaign. He returned for the 114-104 loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday, though he exited the contest after just six minutes of work and didn't return. With Knueppel out of commission for at least a month, Grayson Allen and Sion James are candidates to replace him in the starting lineup, especially with Dennis Schroder (hamstring) sidelined for a minimum of two weeks.

Miller (groin) is listed as out for Thursday's game against Phoenix. Miller injured his groin during the 119-80 loss to Boston on Friday and subsequently missed Monday's meeting with Cleveland. Now that Miller is confirmed to be sidelined for a second consecutive contest, Sion James is the favorite to remain in the starting lineup.

Schroder has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in two weeks, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports. Schroder, who missed Friday's game due to what was described as a left thigh injury, has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain. He is set to be reevaluated in two weeks, suggesting he will miss at least the next five games. Christian Anderson and Sion James could see extra minutes with Schroder sidelined.

James (back) is out for Thursday's game against Toronto. The future Hall of Famer is getting Thursday night off for maintenace purposes. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown should do the heavy lifting offensively, while Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should soak up extra minutes for the 76ers.

Barlow (back) participated in Thursday's shootaround but doesn't have a timeline to return to game action, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. Barlow has been dealing with back soreness dating back to the preseason, so his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step. However, the 76ers have yet to provide a firm return date, and he'll likely need to ramp up further before he's cleared to play. Barlow should be monitored in deeper formats, but he isn't someone who needs to be rostered while he remains sidelined.

Bona (back) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after seeing a specialist, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside of his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Hukporti has sustained a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury in Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and an MRI has since revealed a rupture. He signed a one-year deal with the 76ers over the summer, so Hukporti will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end. With Hukporti's year already finished, Adem Bona (foot) should assume the backup center role behind Joel Embiid once healthy. Reported out for season.