Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks: preview and player stats (Dec 26, 2026)

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.

Gueye (foot) is ready to begin on-court activities and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. The team stated in July that the big man would remain sidelined for the next 3-to-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left foot, and he's continuing to make progress in his rehab. A timetable for Gueye's 2026-27 debut has yet to be established, thought a date could come into focus following his next evaluation in mid-December.

Flemings (back tightness) will not return to Friday's game against the Bulls. Flemings carried a questionable tag into this game, and it appears as though he irritated his injury again. He ended up finishing scoreless with one rebound and one assist in 17 minutes. Consider him questionable for Sunday against the Bucks.

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Chicago. Newell will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks provide an update on his progress.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bulls. Gilbert continues to deal with lingering knee inflammation and is without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks offer an update on his progress.

Veesaar was diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, the Hawks announced Monday. Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Veesaar was expected to spend a lot of time with Atlanta's G League affiliate this season. Reported out for season.