Hornets and Knicks Preseason Finale Impacted by Key Injuries
Multiple key players were sidelined today, October 17, 2025, as the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks concluded their preseason schedules with a game heavily influenced by injury concerns.
The Charlotte Hornets were without LaMelo Ball (right knee contusion) and rookie Brandon Miller (right wrist soreness), alongside Josh Green (left shoulder surgery recovery), Grant Williams (right knee rehab), and Tre Mann (right hip soreness). Ball’s injury is expected to keep him out until at least October 22. The absences forced Hornets head coach Steve Clifford to rely heavily on bench players and developmental prospects, providing valuable experience for younger players ahead of the regular season.
The New York Knicks also prioritized player health, resting Josh Hart (lower back injury), Mitchell Robinson (precautionary), Karl-Anthony Towns (quad issue), and OG Anunoby (ankle recovery). Head coach Mike Brown stated the cautious approach was focused on ensuring the team enters the regular season fully fit. This careful management of injuries is becoming increasingly common across the NBA as teams attempt to balance preseason evaluation with long-term player availability.
Despite the missing stars, both teams used the game as an opportunity to assess roster depth and experiment with different lineup combinations. The game provided a strategic look at how each team will navigate potential injury challenges throughout the 2025-26 NBA season. Both coaching staffs indicated they will continue to monitor player health closely as they prepare for the regular season opener.
Officials from both teams stated they will continue to evaluate players and adjust lineups as needed in the coming days.
