Sion

James

Miller missed Thursday’s game against the Raptors, but seems likely to return for the second game in a back-to-back on Thursday. His return would push Sion James back to the bench.

James will enter the starting lineup, with Brandon Miller (knee) sidelined for this game. James has started often this year, but it hasn’t led to much fantasy production. Expect the other starters to step up with Miller out of the lineup.

Downgraded to questionable earlier Wednesday, Miller is now officially out for the matchup with Toronto. Sion James and Collin Sexton are the top candidates to move into the starting lineup. While Sexton’s offensive production gives him a higher ceiling, James’ superior defense may net him the starting nod.

Miller was listed as probable on Tuesday evening, but he’s now in danger of sitting out against the Raptors. Charlotte is on the first leg of a back-to-back set, and it’s possible the Hornets are giving Miller a maintenance day before facing the Pacers on Thursday. If Miller is out, Sion James and Collin Sexton are candidates to replace him in the starting five.

Miller was also considered probable ahead of Monday’s win over the Thunder, a game in which he scored 28 points and recorded a complete stat line. Expect to see him on the floor Wednesday night, with Collin Sexton or Sion James starting if Miller can’t play.

Knueppel is dealing with a right hip contusion, hence his appearance on the Hornets’ initial injury report for Monday. His absence would open up a spot in the starting lineup, with fellow rookie Sion James being the most likely replacement.

Bridges injured his right ankle on Monday against the Bucks, and the injury will cost him at least one game. Kon Knueppel (ankle) is back in action, but the Hornets could give more minutes to Tidjane Salaun, Collin Sexton and potentially Sion James to make up for the absence of Bridges.

Knueppel will return following a one-game absence, which should send Sion James back to the bench after a spot start against the Bucks. Fantasy managers can get Knueppel back into lineups for the New Year’s Eve slate.

Bridges sprained his right ankle during the first half of Monday’s loss to the Bucks and exited after seven minutes of action. With Kon Knueppel (ankle) considered probable, there’s a chance that Sion James remains in the starting lineup for another game if Bridges can’t play.

Knueppel did not play in Monday’s loss to the Bucks, which resulted in Sion James moving into the starting lineup. James will head back to the bench if Knueppel plays, eliminating what little fantasy value he possessed on Monday.