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LaMelo Ball LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams available vs. Portland
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 2:08 PM
Charlotte Hornets PR
LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (conditioning) are not on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: Both players will be back in the lineup after sitting out the second leg of Charlotte's back-to-back on Thursday. Elfrid Payton and Jusuf Nurkic will be pushed to the bench, while Moussa Diabate will likely be pushed out of the rotation entirely. |
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DaQuan Jeffries DaQuan Jeffries (knee) ruled out Saturday vs. POR
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 2:07 PM
Charlotte Hornets
DaQuan Jeffries (knee) is out for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: Due to a left knee injury, Jeffries will miss a second consecutive game. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) returning, Jeffries' minutes were likely to decrease if he could play. His absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball. |
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Miles Bridges Miles Bridges pours in 36/13/7/3/1 line vs. Denver
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 6:53 PM
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 36 points (12-of-23 FGs), 13 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, one block and five three-pointers in a 129-115 loss to the Nuggets on Thursday.
Analysis: Following the All-Star break, Bridges has come out the gates incredibly well. After putting up 29 points, six rebounds, five steals and five triples against the Lakers on Wednesday, he set a new season-high for scoring just 24 hours later. Bridges has stepped up since Brandon Miller went down for the season, and he stepped up even more with LaMelo Ball (ankle) sidelined, though it wasn't enough to get a win. Managers should expect Bridges to continue to shine for the lottery-bound Hornets down the stretch of the season. |
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Jusuf Nurkic Jusuf Nurkic records 9/10/7/1/1 line in start
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 6:37 PM
Jusuf Nurkic started on Thursday and finished with nine points (4-of-11 FGs), 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block against the Nuggets.
Analysis: With Mark Williams out for the second night of a back-to-back, Nurkic returned to the starting lineup. He only played 19 minutes, but he turned in an excellent stat line in his limited action. Moussa Diabate, who didn't play at all on Wednesday, ended up playing 29 minutes off the bench. The hierarchy at center in Charlotte is certainly strange, but when Williams is out, Diabate should play a larger role than Nurkic, even if Nurkic gets the starting nod. However, Diabate only had 11 points and six rebounds, so neither big can be trusted for consistent production, even if Nurkic played well on Thursday. |
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Josh Green Josh Green scores season-high 19 points vs. Denver
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 6:32 PM
Josh Green scored a season-high 19 points (7-of-13 FGs) on Thursday and added three rebounds, two assists, one steal and five three-pointers against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Green has been a solid starter all season long for Charlotte, but he hasn't been a consistent scoring threat for them. However, with LaMelo Ball (ankle) sidelined, Green was able to step up and provide a scoring punch for the Hornets. He also set a new season-high for three-pointers made. This was an excellent game for Green, but he hasn't been an effective option in fantasy basketball this season. This performance doesn't change that. |
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Jusuf Nurkic CHA starting Payton, Smith, Green, Bridges, Nurkic
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 2:35 PM
Charlotte Hornets
Elfrid Payton, Nick Smith Jr., Josh Green, Miles Bridges, and Jusuf Nurkic will start Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: The Hornets are playing their second game in as many nights. For injury management reasons, they are without LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams. Payton and Nurkic move into the starting lineup, which should also result in rotation minutes for Moussa Diabate, who did not play in Wednesday's win over the Lakers. |
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DaQuan Jeffries DaQuan Jeffries (knee) ruled out vs. Denver
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 2:05 PM
Charlotte Hornets
DaQuan Jeffries (knee) has been ruled out against the Nuggets on Thursday.
Analysis: Jeffries was initially listed as questionable, but he will sit out the second night of the back-to-back. LaMelo Ball (ankle) is also out, so there should be plenty of minutes for both Elfrid Payton and Seth Curry, with one of them likely sliding into the starting lineup. |
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DaQuan Jeffries DaQuan Jeffries (knee) questionable Thursday
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:12 AM
DaQuan Jeffries (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Jeffries could play a decent amount if he's available Thursday with LaMelo Ball (ankle) already ruled out. Still, the 27-year-old point guard doesn't have much fantasy value regardless of his availability. |
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Mark Williams Mark Williams (conditioning) out Thursday vs. DEN
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:07 AM
Mark Williams (conditioning) is out for Thursday's game against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Williams was able to make it back for Wednesday's matchup against the Lakers, but will miss the second game of a back-to-back due to conditioning. Moussa Diabate will start at center for Charlotte with Jusuf Nurkic coming off the bench. Diabate is worth streaming consideration. |
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LaMelo Ball LaMelo Ball (ankle) out Thursday vs. Nuggets
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:06 AM
LaMelo Ball (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Ball will miss Thursday's game as the Hornets continue to manage his ankle injury. Elfrid Payton, who was recently signed to another 10-day contract, could move into the starting lineup once again. Payton could be a worthwhile streaming option as he's a reliable source of assists when starting. |
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Miles Bridges Miles Bridges drops 29 points, five steals vs. LAL
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 6:35 PM
Miles Bridges accounted for 29 points (9-of-22 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, five steals, one block, and five three-pointers in 33 minutes in Wednesday's 100-97 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: Bridges was excellent on both ends of the floor for the Hornets, recording a robust stat line (outside of the lack of assists) for fantasy managers. The Hornets forward hasn't been as valuable as many fantasy managers hoped (ADP: 60), but his production is just one round worse in 12-team leagues. He wasn't victim to a shutdown until most fantasy leagues were already completed last season, and fantasy managers are hoping that will also be the case for Bridges this season. The Hornets play two more games during Week 16, starting with the Nuggets on Thursday. |
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Mark Williams Mark Williams records 10/9/2/9 line in return
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 6:34 PM
Mark Williams accounted for 10 points (3-of-7 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), nine rebounds, and two assists in 29 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Lakers.
Analysis: Wednesday's game was Williams's first since February 5, one day before he was traded to the Lakers. Of course, that transaction was rescinded due to a failed physical. Williams played 29 minutes on Wednesday and finished one rebound shy of a double-double. The concerns moving forward are Williams' health and overall availability, especially with the Hornets likely being a lottery team. Jusuf Nurkic (eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks) played 18 minutes as the backup center, while Moussa Diabate was a DNP-CD. If Williams does not play against the Hornets on Thursday, look for Diabate to see action. |
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LaMelo Ball LaMelo Ball (ankle) scores 27 points vs. Lakers
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 6:34 PM
LaMelo Ball (ankle) shot 9-of-19 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line in Wednesday's 100-97 win over the Lakers, scoring 27 points with five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and five three-pointers in 33 minutes.
Analysis: Ball was best when the Hornets needed him most, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter. Included was a layup with 14 seconds remaining that extended Charlotte's lead to four at the time, and he would hit two free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining to provide the final margin. While Ball has provided top 20 per-game value in eight-cat formats this season, his availability down the stretch will concern fantasy managers since the Hornets are likely headed back to the draft lottery. In the short term, they should plan for LaMelo not playing in Thursday's game against the Nuggets. If he sits, Elfrid Payton would be the next man up, with KJ Simpson entering the rotation after being inactive on Wednesday. |
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Mark Williams CHA starting Ball, Smith, Green, Bridges, Williams
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 3:43 PM
NBA Lineups
LaMelo Ball, Nick Smith Jr., Josh Green, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams will start Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Ball and Williams are back in the starting lineup after missing time due to injury and conditioning, respectively. Their returns mean Elfrid Payton and Jusuf Nurkic will come off the bench, with the latter still having some value in deep leagues. Also worth tracking are Moussa Diabate's minutes, as he could fall out of the rotation entirely with Williams back in the fold. |
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LaMelo Ball LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams available Wednesday
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 3:03 PM
Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (conditioning) are available for Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Ball returns to action after missing Charlotte's last game before the break with an ankle injury. Elfrid Payton will come off the bench, offering minimal fantasy value. As for Williams, this will be his first action since his trade to the Lakers was rescinded over a failed physical. During his pregame availability, Hornets coach Charles Lee said that Williams will be backed up by Jusuf Nurkic, which is bad news for Moussa Diabate managers. |
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Moussa Diabate Moussa Diabate (eye) off injury report Wednesday
Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 2:24 PM
NBA Injury Report
Moussa Diabate (eye) is off the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Diabate was dealing with an eye injury for the better part of a week before the All-Star break, but it appears he's fully recovered at this point. Mark Williams (conditioning) is listed as probable for Wednesday, but if he's out, Diabate would be expected to slide into the starting lineup. Either way, Jusuf Nurkic will return to a reserve role. |
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Mark Williams Mark Williams (conditioning) probable Wednesday
Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 2:20 PM
NBA Injury Report
Mark Williams (conditioning) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Williams was away from the team for three games before the All-Star break after the trade with the Lakers fell apart due to his failed physical. It's certainly awkward for all parties involved that the 23-year-old center appears set to make his return against the Lakers Wednesday given his probable listing. If Williams is out, Moussa Diabate would get the start and be worth streaming consideration. |
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LaMelo Ball LaMelo Ball (ankle) probable Wednesday vs. Lakers
Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 2:17 PM
NBA Injury Report
LaMelo Ball (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Ball re-injured his ankle last Monday and missed last Wednesday's game against the Magic. The All-Star break came at the right time for the 23-year-old point guard. Ball is set to return to the court against the Lakers Wednesday given his probable listing, sending the recently-signed Elfrid Payton to the bench. |
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Mark Williams Silver: Hornets have not protested failed trade
Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 2:37 PM
Brett Siegel
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday that the Hornets have not filed a protest over the rescinded trade that would have sent Mark Williams to the Lakers.
Analysis: Williams, who was initially traded to the Lakers at the February 6 deadline, was not with the Hornets for any of their three games before the All-Star break after the deal was rescinded. While it was reported on February 11 that the Hornets were exploring their options with the league, the franchise has not filed a protest with the NBA. âNo. Charlotte has not filed a protest of any kind,â Silver said Saturday. âI think the larger issue is if there is a different standard of sort in terms of players passing physicals in trades. It's something we should look at as a league.â It's unknown if Williams will rejoin the Hornets after the break, with the team's first game being against the Lakers on Wednesday in a makeup of the matchup that was postponed due to the January wildfires in Los Angeles County. |
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Wendell Moore Shams: Hornets ink Wendell Moore to two-way deal
Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 5:37 AM
Shams Charania
Hornets signed Wendell Moore to a two-way contract.
Analysis: ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news that Moore, the 26th overall pick by the Timberwolves in the 2022 draft, is headed to Charlotte after spending time earlier this season with the Pistons. The 23-year-old shooting guard appeared in 20 games with Detroit, averaging 11 minutes per game and 3.2 points per game. While he'll add to Charlotte's overall depth, it's difficult to see him providing fantasy value in the second half of the season. |
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