Charlotte Hornets vs Sacramento Kings: 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).

Achiuwa left Tuesday's 107-100 loss to the Magic with a left lower leg contusion and did not return, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports. With Achiuwa exiting the game after 14 minutes, more minutes became available for Dylan Cardwell. If Achiuwa needs to miss Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Keegan Murray would likely return to the starting lineup, and Cardwell would have the chance for some extended run.

Simmons underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports. Simmons had a quality preseason, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over 17.4 minutes per contest (two games). The 30-year-old was on track to suit up for the Kings on opening night, though those plans were halted after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during practice. Now, Simmons will focus on rehab. However, it's unknown what the future holds regarding his career in the NBA. Reported out for season.

Raynaud (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Orlando. Raynaud is expected to be re-evaluated soon, though he can be considered week-to-week until the Kings offer an update on his status. Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa will likely continue seeing increased burn in Raynaud's absence.