The Charlotte Hornets entered Saturday night looking for their first 2-0 start since the 2021-22 season. They were sent packing with a 125-121 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, but the final score may not have been the biggest loss of the night for Charlotte.
Brandon Miller’s injury
Third-year shooting guard Brandon Miller left Saturday’s game in the second quarter due to what was announced as left shoulder soreness.
Miller was able to log just nine minutes in the game before heading to the locker room and being ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Charlotte can ill-afford to lose Miller for an extended period of time this season, as he played in just 27 games last season due to a torn ligament in his wrist.
Miller’s early-season injury leaves the Hornets in an all too familiar place, with one of their stars injured in the early parts of the season. That was a significant reason the team won just 19 games last season.
Standouts for 76ers
The 76ers’ second win of the season was headlined by standout performances from both Tyrese Maxey and Quentin Grimes. Maxey scored 28 points and added nine assists, while Grimes poured in 24 points in 30 minutes off the Philadelphia bench.
What’s ahead?
Sunday, Charlotte will be in the nation’s capital to finish off the second game of a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards. If Miller is unable to go, expect more minutes from backup guards Collin Sexton and rookie Sion James.
