Charlotte Hornets vs LA Clippers: preview and player stats

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-08): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Quadriceps Tendinopathy (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Diabate (quadriceps) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Suns. Diabate is expected to return from a two-game absence Thursday, which would leave fewer minutes available for Ryan Kalkbrenner. Through nine regular-season games, Diabate has averaged 8.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks in 28.8 minutes per tilt.

Injury/Illness - Right Hip Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Hamstring Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Williams (hamstring) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Suns. Williams is trending toward making his season debut Thursday after battling a right hamstring strain. However, the veteran forward isn't guaranteed to see meaningful playing time once he returns.

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-08): 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.

G League - On Assignment (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX).

Miller underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left rotator cuff and will be re-evaluated in six months, per Law Murray of The Athletic. It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

Ingram (Achilles) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game at Phoenix, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports. Ingram is nearing a return to action, though he won't make his season debut Tuesday. The veteran swingman's next opportunity to suit up will come Friday against Oklahoma City.

Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, NBA writer Justin Russo reports. Beal is dealing with knee inflammation that will keep him sidelined for Opening Night. While it's unclear how long the Clippers will be without the veteran guard, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn should dominate the backcourt minutes in his absence. Beal's 2025-26 campaign was cut short by a hip injury after he averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.6 minutes across just six regular-season appearances.

Niederhauser (foot) is out for Tuesday's game against Phoenix, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports. Niederhauser has yet to make an appearance this season for the Clippers while rehabbing from foot surgery. It's unclear at this time when he'll be available to take the court, and he can be considered week-to-week until further notice.

Christie (ankle) is listed as out for Tuesday's game against Phoenix. Christie will miss his fifth game of the 2026-27 campaign. The 21-year-old rookie has averaged only 6.0 minutes per contest in his five regular-season appearances, so his absence won't have much of an effect on the rotation.