The Charlotte Hornets have lost second-leading scorer Brandon Miller indefinitely due to a right wrist injury, the team announced Friday night.
Miller, 22, suffered a laceration scapholunate ligament on his right wrist, according to a team statement. He will appear as out indefinitely on the Hornets’ injury report.
With a partially torn ligament, Miller could be out six to 12 weeks. A more severe tear could keep him sidelined for three to six months, possibly ending his season.
The second-year star injured his wrist during Wednesday’s 117-112 victory over the Utah Jazz. He scored 20 points in 33 minutes. Miller sat out Friday’s 125-123 win against the Chicago Bulls with what was ruled a sprained wrist.
“It’s one of those bittersweet things where you’re happy for the win, but you have bad news for Brandon,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said. he said after Friday’s game. “I think we’ll continue to assess where he is and do as much testing as we can.”
In his second season in the NBA, Miller averages 21 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists and shoots 36% on three-pointers. Was the Hornets’ first-round pick (No. 2 overall) in 2023 out of Alabama. Miller missed six games earlier this season with a sprained left ankle.
Injuries have been a major obstacle for the Hornets this season, contributing to a 10-28 record that is third-worst in the Eastern Conference.
Leading scorer LaMelo Ball was sidelined for nearly three weeks with a left calf strain. Miles Bridges has been limited to 24 games due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Centers Mark Williams and Nick Richards (who was traded to the Phoenix Suns this week) also missed significant time. And Grant Williams suffered a torn ACL in late November.
Seth Curry, Nick Smith Jr. and Josh Okogie (acquired in the Richards trade) are expected to help fill Miller’s place in the Hornets’ lineup.