The Charlotte Hornets are in Dallas tonight for a matchup with the Mavericks, and all eyes are on the status of Brandon Miller. The promising young forward has landed on the injury report with a left ankle impingement, but the good news for Hornets fans is that he’s listed as probable-a strong sign that he’s trending toward playing.
Miller’s presence in the lineup has been a major factor in Charlotte’s recent uptick. After an injury-plagued sophomore season, he’s bounced back in year three with a level of consistency and confidence that’s been hard to miss. He’s suited up in 25 of the team’s last 26 games, including the last 11 straight, and during that stretch, the Hornets have found a bit of a rhythm-rattling off four straight wins and showing signs of cohesion on both ends of the floor.
Through 31 games this season, Miller is averaging 20.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He’s been efficient, too-shooting 43.6% from the field, 37.6% from deep, and a rock-solid 86.3% from the free-throw line. That kind of production, especially from a wing who can stretch the floor and create his own shot, has been vital for a Hornets team still figuring out its identity.
But tonight’s game won’t feature a full-strength Charlotte squad. Grant Williams remains out as he manages a right knee issue, and Mason Plumlee is still sidelined following right groin surgery.
Those absences put even more emphasis on Miller’s availability. If he’s able to go, expect him to carry a significant load offensively-especially with Charlotte missing some key contributors in the frontcourt.
On the Mavericks’ side, they’re dealing with their own injury woes. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are both out following knee and foot surgeries, respectively.
Dante Exum is also unavailable with a right knee injury. That’s a lot of firepower missing for Dallas, and it could open the door for Charlotte to keep their momentum going-if Miller suits up.
Here’s a look at the current injury report for both teams heading into tonight’s matchup:
Hornets Injury Report:
- Brandon Miller - Probable (Left Ankle Impingement)
- Grant Williams - Out (Right Knee - Injury Management)
- Mason Plumlee - Out (Right Groin - Surgery)
- PJ Hall - Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Antonio Reeves - Out (G League - Two-Way)
- KJ Simpson - Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Moussa Cisse - Questionable (G League - Two-Way)
Mavericks Injury Report:
- Anthony Davis - Out (Left Finger Sprain)
- Dante Exum - Out (Right Knee - Surgery)
- Kyrie Irving - Out (Left Knee - Surgery)
- Dereck Lively II - Out (Right Foot - Surgery)
- Naji Marshall - Out (Rest)
- Miles Kelly - Questionable (G League - Two-Way)
- Ryan Nembhard - Probable (G League - Two-Way)
- Klay Thompson - Probable (Left Knee Soreness)
- Brandon Williams - Questionable (Right Ankle Sprain)
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, and while both teams are shorthanded, Miller’s availability could be the swing factor. If he’s able to go-and all signs point to that being the case-Charlotte will have a chance to keep their recent hot streak alive against a depleted Dallas squad.