KJ

Simpson

Friday’s game will be the third that Sexton has missed due to a strained left quad. With LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann also out, the Hornets will likely stick with KJ Simpson as the starting point guard. While his fantasy ceiling is limited, Simpson is worth a look in deep leagues due to Charlotte’s lack of healthy alternatives.

With the Hornets being down multiple point guards, most notably starter LaMelo Ball, Simpson made his first start of the season on Sunday. While he finished with a respectable stat line, the assist category was lacking. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges spent more time on the ball, which helped them combine to dish out 13 assists. Charlotte does not play its first game of Week 8 until Friday, so there isn’t much need to add Simpson after his showing on Sunday.

The Hornets are without LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton for Sunday’s game, so Simpson has received the starting nod. While his season-long production has not made him worth the risk in fantasy leagues, the opportunity to start raises Simpson’s fantasy ceiling. The other four starters are unchanged, and Kalkbrenner’s playing time may increase with Moussa Diabaté unavailable.

Sexton will miss a second straight game after straining his left quad during Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks. KJ Simpson and Liam McNeeley have seen their playing time increase, as the Hornets are also without Tre Mann. Of the two, Simpson will likely play more on Sunday since LaMelo Ball is out.

Mann will miss a fourth straight game on Sunday, which means more minutes are available to KJ Simpson and Liam McNeeley. However, neither has done enough to merit being rostered.

Ball exited Friday’s win over the Raptors with a bone bruise in his left ankle. Due to his previous ankle injuries, this is a concern for the point guard and the Hornets. With Tre Mann and Collin Sexton also out, more minutes will become available to Sion James and KJ Simpson. Also, don’t be surprised if Kon Knueppel spends more time on the ball.

LaMelo just can’t seem to keep his ankles healthy. He dealt with a right ankle injury in November, and now it’s the left ankle that will keep him sidelined for at least the remainder of Friday’s showdown. Hopefully it won’t keep him sidelined long, but both KJ Simpson and Sion James should be in line for more minutes with Ball unavailable. There should be an additional update on his status at some point this weekend.

Mann is set to miss his third consecutive game with right knee soreness. Liam McNeeley and KJ Simpson are candidates for extra minutes with Mann out against the Raptors on Friday.

Mann has missed the last two games with right knee soreness. Given that he was downgraded to doubtful just hours before Friday’s game against the Raptors, that absence could extend to three games. Liam McNeeley and KJ Simpson could see extra minutes if Mann is ultimately ruled out.

Mann has missed Charlotte’s last two games with a sore right knee, freeing up additional minutes for fellow reserves Collin Sexton and Liam McNeeley. However, with Sexton already ruled out for Friday’s game, McNeeley and KJ Simpson may be the ones who benefit if Mann cannot play.