UPDATE: Kon Knueppel won’t return tonight vs. the Magic due to an ankle injury, per Hornets PR.
Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel suffered an apparent injury during Friday’s game vs. the Orlando Magic and was helped to the locker room just before halftime.
It’s unclear at this time how exactly the injury occurred, but it’s likely a lower-body issue since Knueppel received assistance getting off the floor and into the tunnel. It’s possible he rolled an ankle while fighting for a rebound under the basket, but he does not yet have an official injury status.
Knueppel played 15 minutes in Friday’s game and was off to a scorching-hot first half. He scored 16 points with four made three-pointers, also pulling down three rebounds and dishing out an assist.
If Knueppel doesn’t return tonight or misses extended time, watch for Collin Sexton or Josh Green to potentially step into the void left behind and see additional minutes.
The No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel has quickly become a standout in the Hornets’ rotation and one of the top players in his rookie class. The 6-foot-6 Duke product averages 19.4 points while shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc on 8.7 attempts per game. He also posts 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
The rookie has served as one of the few bright spots for a Hornets team with a 10-20 record prior to the conclusion of tonight’s game. At half, Charlotte led Orlando 57-48.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available on Knueppel’s injury status.
