Hornets' Brandon Miller Out Indefinitely with Torn Ligament Injury in Wrist
January 18, 2025
The injury-plagued Charlotte Hornets were dealt another tough blow when it was revealed Brandon Miller's wrist injury will likely keep him out for an extended period of time.
Prior to Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls, the Hornets announced Miller will be out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.
Miller suffered the injury in Charlotte's 117-112 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. He was able to play 33 minutes in that game, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting. It's unclear exactly when the injury occurred.
The Hornets have had all sorts of problems keeping their primary starting group on the court together this season. Miller, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges have combined to miss 36 games thus far.
Miller recently had a stretch in which he missed six of seven games from Dec. 19-Jan. 3 due to an ankle injury.
Charlotte was able to band together for a victory over the Bulls on Friday. The Hornets have won three of their last four games after a season-long 10-game losing streak.
"That definitely hurts," Ball said of Miller's injury after Friday's win. "I was in the same kind of situation, my rookie year, or sophomore, whatever. I know how he feel, we just always have his back, watch out for him. He with the whole squad. That'll help a little. I remember my situation, being with, around the guys, that's yeah. I know it's tough times though."
Miller ranks second on the Hornets with 21.0 points and 3.6 assists per game. The 22-year-old finished third in NBA Rookie of the Year voting last season, behind Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.
Nick Smith Jr. took Miller's spot in the starting five against the Bulls. Head coach Charles Lee will likely mix and match his lineup going forward depending on the opponent.
The Hornets have struggled this season even when Miller has been healthy. Their 10-28 record is the fifth-worst in the NBA. They can set a season-high with three straight wins if they are able to beat the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center on Monday.
