yahoo
The Charlotte Hornets' challenging start to the 2026-27 season took another hit Wednesday night when shooting guard Kon Knueppel left the team's road loss to the Brooklyn Nets with an apparent hamstring injury. The setback occurred in Knueppel's first appearance of the season after he had already been sidelined for the opening games with the same issue.
On Thursday, the Hornets provided an update: Knueppel has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be unavailable for Friday's matchup against the Boston Celtics. The news was first reported by ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel on X, formerly Twitter.
Knueppel, who nearly captured Rookie of the Year honors last season and set a new rookie record for three-pointers made, exited early in Brooklyn due to ongoing problems with the hamstring. His absence compounds difficulties for Charlotte, which has stumbled out of the gate and is shooting below 30 percent from beyond the arc in 2026-27. The team has also faced scrutiny over its offseason decision to trade LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Key Analysis
The Hornets' depth will be tested further as they prepare for a Celtics team that presents a tough challenge. How long Knueppel remains out is uncertain, but Charlotte's already thin margin for error becomes even slimmer without its promising young guard. Friday's tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET in Charlotte.
Originally reported by yahoo.