Kon

Knueppel

Knueppel strained his left hamstring before training camp and did not make his season debut until Wednesday. Unfortunately, he left after six minutes and has been diagnosed with another strain of the same hamstring. Knueppel’s absence should push Sion James back into the starting lineup, but he offers limited fantasy value as a streamer.

Making his first appearance of the season after straining his left hamstring before training camp, Knueppel played six minutes before returning to the locker room during the first quarter. The Hornets have said the injury is left leg soreness, which is concerning, even though they didn’t mention the hamstring specifically. Sion James would be the likely replacement in the starting lineup if Knueppel misses time.

Kon Knueppel is making his season debut and replacing Sion James in the starting lineup. Kon returning should impact Brandon Miller the most with his usage. Sion James now becomes purely a deeper league guy since the minutes will be going down.

Knueppel missed the first eight games of the season, but he’ll be able to suit up against Brooklyn. It’s worth noting that Coby White (calf) made his season debut in Charlotte’s last game and played 16 minutes as a starter. The lopsided score could have been a factor, but the expectation should be that Knueppel replaces Sion James as a starter, though he likely plays a small role in this game. Grayson Allen will likely lose out on minutes with Knueppel back.

Based on the probable tag, Knueppel’s season debut is approaching. If he can play Wednesday, Sion James may head to the bench, even if the Hornets limit Knueppel’s minutes. Despite his own minutes restriction, Coby White started his season debut on Monday against the Pistons and played 16 minutes.

While Knueppel is close to making his season debut, he isn’t ready yet. Sion James is likely to remain in the starting lineup until last season’s Rookie of the Year runner-up is cleared to play without restrictions.

Kneuppel, who suffered a hamstring strain before the preseason, is progressing toward making his 2026-27 debut. According to Lee, the second-year guard’s hamstring responded well after a recent G League practice. Next, Knueppel needs to acclimate to his teammates after the Hornets return from their road trip, which ends on Friday. Knueppel doesn’t have an exact return timeline, but managers stashing him in an IL spot should begin planning for that day.

Knueppel hasn’t made his 2026-27 debut due to a hamstring strain, but his assignment to Charlotte’s G League affiliate is encouraging. Knueppel could be nearing a return, and fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status moving forward.

As of October 20, Knueppel, who had missed the entire preseason with a hamstring strain, had resumed on-court work. However, he still has not reached the point where he can play in games. While Sion James has started Charlotte’s first three games, Grayson Allen is the better option for fantasy managers looking for a streamer.

Knueppel missed the preseason and will remain out for the season opener, though he has progressed to individual on-court work. Knueppel may return soon, but until then, Charlotte will turn to Grayson Allen and Sion James to fill the void, with Allen being the better streaming option for fantasy managers.