The Charlotte Hornets have caught fire in the 2025-2026 NBA season, transforming into one of the league's most formidable teams as they approach the All-Star break. With an impressive nine wins in their last ten games, the Hornets are riding high, currently holding a 26-29 record and sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference. They're eager to maintain this momentum when play resumes.
A recent scare could have derailed their progress, as star guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a car accident in North Carolina. Fortunately for the Hornets, Ball emerged unscathed, and according to the team's injury report, he's expected to continue his streak of appearances when the season picks back up.
Ball hasn't missed a game since December 14, and he's on track to surpass the 47 games he played last season. So far, he's averaging 19.3 points on 40% shooting, along with 7.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds over 45 games.
However, the Hornets will still be without Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, who remain sidelined due to suspensions stemming from an on-court altercation with the Detroit Pistons before the break. Additionally, Liam McNeeley and Coby White are out with ankle sprains, adding to the team's challenges.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets face their own set of hurdles. They've been hit hard by injuries, most notably losing veteran guard Steven Adams for the season due to ankle surgery.
Fred VanVleet, another key player, has been absent all year following a knee injury that cast doubt on his availability from the start. The Rockets have been adapting to life without VanVleet, and his continued absence is something they've grown accustomed to.
As both teams navigate these challenges, the Hornets aim to keep their hot streak alive, while the Rockets focus on adjusting and finding new ways to compete without their sidelined stars.