What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?
Limited LaMelo
While LaMelo Ball had a solid game, he was clearly hampered by a shoulder issue that popped up on the Hornets’ injury report in the hours before the game.
INJURY UPDATE: @hornets at GSW 12/27
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) December 27, 2022
Martin (L Knee Procedure) out
Richards (R Ankle Sprain) out
Smith Jr (L Ankle Sprain) questionable
Ball (R Shoulder Strain) probable
Described as a “right shoulder strain”, the injury likely had a role to play in Ball’s 7/25 shooting and his 2/11 shooting from three-point range.
Kelly Oubre’s absence
Kelly Oubre Jr. appeared on the injury report approximately 90 minutes before tipoff, being marked out with what was described as a “left hand sprain”.
UPDATE: @hornets forward Kelly Oubre has been downgraded to out and will miss tonight’s game in Golden State with a left hand sprain. https://t.co/BdAQD2hv4Q
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) December 28, 2022
The designation raised some eyebrows after Oubre Jr. played 33 minutes in Charlotte’s previous contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Oubre Jr. has been an obvious candidate to be traded due to his expiring contract and his strong play this season, and it is possible that Charlotte held him out to protect a potential deal that may be in the works.