The Charlotte Hornets have made significant adjustments to their starting lineup for the upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with rookie sensation Kon Knueppel set to return after overcoming a hip contusion. This development comes as the Hornets aim to secure a much-needed victory on their road trip, which has seen them struggle to find consistency.
Head coach Charles Lee has announced that Knueppel, who was initially listed as questionable, will be available for the game scheduled for March 15, 2024, at approximately 8:10 p.m. ET. His performance will be crucial, especially after a challenging outing against the Chicago Bulls, where he managed to score just 4 points on 14 attempts from the field, including 2 of 6 from three-point range.
LaMelo Ball has played a pivotal role for the Hornets, averaging only 14 points per game during this road trip. Despite this, he has maintained an impressive 14 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively. The team will rely on him to continue his strong playmaking as they face the Thunder.
Key Players and Recent Performances
In addition to Knueppel and Ball, forward Bridges has been a standout in recent games. He recorded double-doubles in two of his last three matchups and narrowly missed another against the Washington Wizards. On this road trip, Bridges has showcased his shooting prowess, hitting 47.1% of his three-point attempts and 54% overall from the field.
Rookie Moussa Diabate, who had been questionable due to a wrist injury, has also been cleared by the medical team. This marks his first game of the three-game road trip. Notably, his last performance saw him contribute defensively, finishing with eight rebounds despite not scoring.
The Hornets will need each player’s contributions as they prepare to face a strong Thunder team. The matchup will be broadcasted by the familiar voices of Eric Collins and Dell Curry on the FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Fans can also tune in to Sam Farber on WFNZ for radio coverage.
As the Hornets look to create an upset against the defending champions, all eyes will be on how Knueppel and his teammates perform on the court. The outcome of this game could significantly impact their momentum moving forward in the season.
