On Wednesday, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Houston Rockets by a score of 110-105. In the win, the Hornets were led by LaMelo Ball‘s 34 points, as well as Tre Mann‘s 24-point performance off the bench. The story of the game, however, was the status of Brandon Miller. Miller left the game early due to a left glute strain, playing just 11 minutes in the contest. Ahead of the team’s Friday game against the Atlanta Hawks, there is some more clarity regarding the extent of Miller’s injury.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Miller will be re-evaluated in one week due to the injury. This indicates he will at least miss the Hawks game and the Hornets’ first two home games against the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors.
Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller will be re-evaluated in one week after sustaining a left glute strain.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 25, 2024
Charlotte Hornets’ Young Star to Miss Time Due to Injury
What Brandon Miller’s Absence Means for the Charlotte Hornets
In Miller’s place, the Hornets will likely rely more heavily on players like Miles Bridges and Cody Martin in the lineup. Additionally, players like Mann, Grant Williams, and Seth Curry will likely all assume a larger role in the rotation as well. Furthermore, the Hornets still have rookie Tidjane Salaun to look forward to. However, he missed Charlotte’s season opener and is questionable for Friday’s game. Regardless, it will be a huge addition to the team if he makes his NBA debut soon.
Despite the slightly controversial draft selection last year, Miller had a fantastic rookie season. In 74 games last season, the Tennessee native averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Additionally, he shot 44% from the field and 37.3% from the three-point line. His impressive year led to Miller finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. Only Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren placed higher in the voting.
In just one season, Miller already proved he is going to be a fantastic NBA player. Additionally, at just 21 years old, he still has a lot of room to grow. The sky is the limit for Miller and what he can continue to bring to Charlotte over the upcoming years.
The Last Word On Brandon Miller
Losing Miller this early in the season is a tough loss. However, fortunately for him and the Hornets, it appears to be a minor injury. Additionally, there is a lot to look forward to in Charlotte regardless. Ball looked impressive in his return to the court, and the Hornets have an exciting and young team. Last season, the team finished with a 21-61 record, third-worst in the East. Furthermore, they failed to make the playoffs once again, something they have not achieved since 2016. Nonetheless, many believe the Hornets can surprise some people this season.
A lot of Charlotte’s success will depend on Miller, Bridges, and Ball. However, the Hornets also have an intriguing first-time head coach in Charles Lee. Lee is fresh off a championship as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. While it is unlikely he will bring Charlotte to that same success this season, he knows how to win in the league. Additionally, he was an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks when they won a championship in 2021.
Things are finally looking up in Charlotte. Once Miller returns to the team, the Hornets can officially begin their bounceback campaign.
