Charlotte Hornets second year wing Brandon Miller picked up a left hip injury during the first half of the season opener against the Rockets. After playing his regular nine minute spell in the 1st quarter, Miller was delayed checking back in during the 2nd. He eventually did return, but was forced to exit the game again after only one minute of action. During halftime, the Hornets provided the below update which ruled him out of the second half of the game.
INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard Brandon Miller (L Hip Soreness) will not return to tonight’s game
Miller's availability moving forward is unknown at this point, but if the injury was enough to keep him out of the second half of the season opener it could be serious enough to force a multi-game absence. It's unclear when Miller picked up the injury, as there was no clear visible moment in the 1st quarter where he looked to have injured his left hip. Perhaps it was on his vicious dunk early in the 1st quarter, or a 4-point play where he was fouled shooting a three. Check back on Hornets on SI for further injury updates in the coming days.
Brandon Miller Injury Updates
After the game, Miller spoke to reporters, stating that he felt a slight soreness in his hip, but that he felt confident in a quick recovery. The injury is not considered to be serious, but it is still unclear when he will be able to return to the court. The Hornets are expected to give him at least a couple of days of rest to allow the soreness to subside. The team will likely provide further updates as they become available.
Hornets' Preseason Performance
The Hornets' preseason performance was a mixed bag. While Miller's performance was impressive, the team's overall record was underwhelming. In the final game of the preseason, Miller delivered a highlight-reel dunk against the Indiana Pacers. He finished the game with 20 points, one assist and one steal in 19 minutes of playing time. The Hornets lost that game 138-119. Miller is still considered to be a key piece of the Hornets' future, and his health will be crucial to their success this season.
Injury Impact on Hornets
Miller's absence is a blow to the Hornets, who are already dealing with a number of injuries. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by Miller in the second half of the game. If he is out for an extended period, it will be interesting to see how the Hornets respond. The team's offensive production was already a concern going into the season, and the loss of Miller makes the task even harder. The Hornets will look to guard LaMelo Ball, who is expected to return to the lineup, and Gordon Hayward to step up in his absence.
Impact on the Hornets' Future
The Hornets are hoping that Miller's injury is not serious and that he will be back in the lineup soon. The team is looking to take a step forward this season and make a push for the playoffs. Miller will be a vital part of that effort, and they need him healthy and ready to go.
Looking Ahead
The Hornets have a tough schedule ahead of them, and they will need all hands on deck if they want to make a run at the playoffs. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by Miller in the second half of the game. However, Miller's injury could also be an opportunity for other players on the team to step up. The Hornets have a number of talented young players who are looking to make a name for themselves. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by Miller, but they also have an opportunity to see what they have in their other young players. With a strong core of young players, the Charlotte Hornets could be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference in the years to come. The team is expected to continue to be competitive and a potential playoff contender. The future looks bright for the Hornets.
