Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks preseason finale injury report: Who’s playing, who’s out, and more (October 17, 2025)Injury woes significantly impacted the Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks preseason finale on October 17, 2025. Key players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller were sidelined for Charlotte, while the Knicks rested several stars including Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns. Both teams prioritized health, testing roster depth ahead of the regular season. The Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks preseason game on October 17, 2025, was heavily defined by injury concerns on both sides. As the teams wrapped up their exhibition schedules, several key players were ruled out, forcing both coaching staffs to rely on rotational depth and younger talent.

Charlotte Hornets Injury Report vs New York Knicks (October 17, 2025)

The Charlotte Hornets entered their final preseason contest without multiple core contributors. LaMelo Ball was ruled out with a right knee contusion suffered in the previous matchup. While his absence was largely precautionary, it significantly impacted the Charlotte Hornets’ offensive rhythm and playmaking capabilities. Ball’s injury is expected to keep him sidelined until at least October 22.Rookie standout Brandon Miller also missed the game due to right wrist soreness, joining a growing list of unavailable players. Additional absentees included Josh Green (recovering from left shoulder surgery), Grant Williams (rehabbing from right knee surgery), and Tre Mann (dealing with right hip soreness). All three were ruled out for the preseason finale, leaving head coach Steve Clifford with limited rotation options and reduced star power.

KNICKS at HORNETS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | March 20, 2025

With so many sidelined players, Charlotte leaned on its bench unit and developmental prospects to close out the preseason. Despite the adversity, the Charlotte Hornets focused on experimenting with lineup combinations and emphasizing player development ahead of the regular season.

New York Knicks Injury Report vs Charlotte Hornets (October 17, 2025)

The New York Knicks also entered the matchup with injury concerns, managing the health of several prominent players. Josh Hart, who sustained a lower back injury during the team’s preseason games in Abu Dhabi, remained unavailable and was considered unlikely to return before the regular season opener.Center Mitchell Robinson, who has a history of injury setbacks and limited availability last season, was also held out as a precaution. Additionally, newly acquired Karl-Anthony Towns sat out due to a quad issue, though he remains an integral part of the New York Knicks’ long-term plans. OG Anunoby continued to recover from an ankle injury and was listed as day-to-day.Head coach Mike Brown emphasized a cautious approach, choosing to prioritize health over preseason competition. His focus was on long-term player wellness and ensuring that his roster enters the regular season fully fit. Brown’s strategy also allowed other players to step into larger roles, offering valuable opportunities to showcase depth and versatility before the games begin to count.

A Depth Test Ahead of the Regular Season

Hornets vs Knicks

Hornets vs Knicks (Image via Getty)

With LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns all watching from the sidelines, the Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks preseason finale lacked some of its expected star appeal. However, the game provided a meaningful test of depth and chemistry for both squads.For Charlotte, the night served as a chance to evaluate backup guards and forwards in extended minutes, a valuable exercise given the injury uncertainty surrounding Ball and Miller. For New York, the focus was on fine-tuning bench rotations and building cohesion among secondary units, all while ensuring the main rotation remained healthy for the season’s start.Though missing marquee names, the game showcased resilience and adaptability. Both teams treated the matchup as a strategic opportunity rather than a high-stakes contest, emphasizing player evaluation and preparation for the upcoming campaign.The October 17, 2025, preseason clash between the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks was ultimately defined by its injury absences. The Charlotte Hornets were without LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, while the New York Knicks rested Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.With so many regulars out, the game highlighted roster depth and the importance of cautious injury management. Both teams opted for long-term stability over short-term success, using the preseason finale as a platform to test readiness and resilience ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season.