Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks: preview and player stats (Jan 19, 2027)

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-15, CHA@LAC). 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 - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-15, CHA@LAC). 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 (2026-11-15, CHA@LAC).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-15, CHA@LAC).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-15, CHA@LAC).

Lively (foot) is listed as out for Thursday's game in Minnesota. Lively is still working his way back from foot surgery. He's reportedly trending favorably, though he should continue to be classified as week-to-week, at least until the team provides an update. While Lively remains on the shelf, Daniel Gafford is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with Morez Johnson (shin), Santi Aldama and Moussa Cisse all in line to spend time at the five when needed.

Gafford (face) won't return to Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports. Gafford took a shot by Thomas Bryant and exited the game after making two free throws earlier, but the center won't return. This means Morez Johnson and Santi Aldama should see more time in the frontcourt. Gafford ends the contest with 10 points (4-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds and an assist across 17 minutes. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Celtics on the second leg of a back-to-back set.

Christie (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Cleveland. Christie was doubtful to play due to a left ankle sprain, and he will indeed be forced to sit out his second contest of the 2026-27 campaign. Expect Naji Marshall and Zaccharie Risacher to see a boost in minutes.

De Larrea (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Minnesota. De Larrea hasn't played since Oct. 26 due to a right knee sprain, but he's expected to be re-evaluated soon. Still, he can be considered week-to-week until Dallas provides an update on his progress.

Biberovic (heel) is out for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Biberovic remains plagued by right heel bursitis. The rookie forward carries no timetable for his season debut.