Knueppel Expected Back as Hornets Face Nets

Knueppel is expected to return after missing the preseason and every game since April. He is likely to start against Brooklyn on November 4, though Charlotte plans to bring him back gradually rather than immediately rely on his usual scoring output.

His return follows Coby White’s comeback on Monday against Detroit. Grant Williams remains out without a timetable. Knueppel missed the preseason, which can help players build playing rhythm, and may need time to adjust after his layoff. Charlotte’s lineup is also still finding its footing, and LaMelo Ball will not be available to create opportunities for him.

The expected lineup change could trim opportunities for Grayson Allen and Sion James, although Allen’s role may hold fairly steady at first. Allen has posted a 69.6% true shooting percentage. James, whose offense has struggled, has a 37.9% true shooting percentage; his defense is likely to keep him in the rotation, but in different combinations.

Knueppel and Allen could take on some of the roughly six shots per game James has been attempting. Charlotte is not expected to immediately get the full benefit of playing Knueppel alongside White and Brandon Miller, but that combination could come together later.