CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The Charlotte Hornets will be without three key players when they tip-off the 2026-2027 NBA season on Wednesday night.
The Hornets will be without two of their starters and a veteran bench player as they open the season against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Starters Kon Knueppel, Coby White along with veteran Grant Williams will be out as they continue to rehab injuries
Both Knueppel and Williams are dealing with hamstring injuries, while White is recovering from a calf injury. All three players returned to individual court activities.
Also read –> Hornets star forward agrees to 5-year $209M extension, reports say
It was not immediately clear when the three will return from their injuries.
Knueppel, lead the league in three-pointers made with 273, injured his hamstring during the offseason and missed the entire preseason. The former Duke Blue Devil averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and shot 42.5% from deep as a rookie.
The Hornets will be lead by forward Brandon Miller, who just signed a five-year $290 million extension with the team, and Knueppel. The Hornets traded away star LaMelo Ball in the offeason.
Last season the Hornets were one win away in the play-in tournament, but lost to the Orlando Magic 121-90.
The Hornets first home regular season game is on Friday, Sept. 23, against the Atlanta Hawks.
Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.