The Charlotte Hornets entered this season with hopes of building a competitive core around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and a freshly retooled supporting cast. Instead, injuries have derailed their rhythm, forcing the team to navigate constant lineup shuffling and reduced depth.

Despite a rough seven-game losing streak, the Hornets have shown signs of life recently, going 3–2 in their last five, their best stretch of the campaign. Now sitting at 7–16, they face a significant challenge on Sunday against the high-flying Denver Nuggets, who hold a strong 16–6 record.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Hornets’ current injury situation.

Hornets Full Injury Breakdown Ahead of Sunday vs. Nuggets

The Hornets’ roster was built on a mix of young talent and well-timed veteran additions. LaMelo Ball’s playmaking, Miles Bridges’ versatility, and Brandon Miller’s ascension were expected to define the team’s identity.

Add in Collin Sexton’s scoring, Josh Green’s athleticism, and contributions from Mason Plumlee and rookie Kon Knueppel, and the Hornets seemed poised for stability.

But the injuries have piled up quickly, especially in the backcourt. What should have been one of the team’s strengths has turned into its most depleted area.

1) LaMelo Ball

Ball’s ankle injury keeps him sidelined, and without him, the Hornets’ playmaking takes a massive hit. He won’t suit up against the Nuggets, missing his eighth game so far this season. Ball was troubled by ankle soreness during the Hornets’ Friday matchup against the Toronto Raptors and had to leave early in the third quarter.

2) Moussa Diabate

Diabate is questionable due to right knee soreness. His athleticism and energy off the bench would be valuable against Denver’s size. He is averaging 8.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season, which are his best numbers.

3) Grant Williams

Williams is out with a knee injury. His absence removes a critical floor-spacing forward who provides defensive toughness. He underwent surgery in December 2024 with an 8-12 month recovery timeline. He has participated in shootarounds, but remains week-to-week.

4) Josh Green

Green will not play against the Nuggets due to a shoulder injury. His perimeter defense and transition scoring are significant losses in a matchup that demands athletic wings. He has missed the start of the 2025-26 season but is nearing a return after G League rehab.

5) Pat Connaughton

Connaughton remains out with a calf issue, further thinning the guard rotation. He suffered a right calf strain back in November and will miss his eighth game.

6) Tre Mann

Mann will also sit with a knee injury, leaving the Hornets without another capable ball-handler. He will miss his fourth straight contest.

7) Collin Sexton

Sexton is out with a thigh injury, removing Charlotte’s most aggressive downhill scorer behind Ball. Sexton played nine minutes before leaving the game against the New York Knicks on Dec. 3. He missed the games against the Raptors and won’t suit up for the Nuggets game.

The injuries have derailed the Hornets’ 2025-26 season. Their recent 3-2 surge is encouraging, but sustaining any momentum becomes difficult when so many key guards remain unavailable.