NBA Roundup: Hornets Stay Patient, Magic Lose Suggs to Hip Injury, Oubre Still Sidelined
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Charlotte, N.C. — Despite an 8-18 record, the Charlotte Hornets do not intend to overhaul their roster, league sources told HoopsHype. Management remains committed to evaluating its young core, with rookie guard Kon Knueppel now viewed as a key piece of the franchise’s future.
Team officials want an extended look at LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Knueppel, and Miles Bridges playing together before considering significant changes. Internally, the organization believes a healthy lineup could push for an Eastern Conference play-in berth.
Miller briefly left Sunday’s overtime win against Cleveland with an apparent shoulder issue but returned to hit a pivotal three-pointer late in regulation. Interim head coach Charles Lee called the game “a huge growth moment,” highlighting Miller’s 13 rebounds as evidence of his two-way upside.
Magic guard Jalen Suggs diagnosed with hip contusion
An MRI confirmed Jalen Suggs sustained a left hip contusion during Saturday’s NBA Cup matchup with New York, the Orlando Magic announced. The third-year guard will be re-evaluated daily, and his return will depend on how the injury responds to treatment.
Suggs scored 26 points and dished seven assists in 29 minutes before exiting in the third quarter. He is averaging 15.4 points and 4.8 assists this season. With Suggs out, Tyus Jones, Anthony Black, and Jett Howard are candidates for increased minutes.
Philadelphia’s Oubre progressing, still without timetable
Kelly Oubre Jr. has resumed individual on-court workouts as he rehabs a left knee ligament sprain suffered on Nov. 14, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Head coach Nick Nurse said Oubre has not yet been cleared for full practice participation.
“Nothing new,” Nurse told reporters, adding he hopes to see continued progress in the coming days. Oubre’s status will remain day-to-day until medical staff approves a return schedule.
Source: Hoops Wire
