Hornets and Heat Face Off Amid Injury Concerns

MIAMI, Fla. — The Charlotte Hornets are set to clash with the Miami Heat in an NBA Cup opener on November 7, 2025, amid serious injury concerns for both teams. Star guard LaMelo Ball from Charlotte is questionable to play, while Miami’s key players Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro will sit out.

Ball has been struggling with a right ankle impingement that has kept him sidelined for the past two games. Before his injury, Ball was averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, making his potential absence a significant blow for the Hornets. Collin Sexton is expected to bear a heavier workload if Ball cannot play.

Miami, meanwhile, will miss Adebayo, who is out with a left toe sprain. The All-Star center’s defensive presence is crucial, and his absence will likely force rookies Kel’el Ware and Vlad Goldin to step up in the frontcourt. Herro remains out due to an ankle injury, further complicating Miami’s lineup.

Both teams are looking to adjust their strategies accordingly as they face off. Hornets’ head coach Charles Lee indicated that the focus will be on improving defensive stability, particularly against a Heat team that thrives on interior play. “We need to close the gap in one-on-one situations and get into the ball better,” he said.

The matchup marks the start of Miami’s NBA Cup journey, adding pressure to gain the home advantage. The Heat currently stand at 2-0 at home but are balancing a disappointing road record of 2-4. Norman Powell, stepping up in the absence of Adebayo and Herro, has averaged 23.2 points per game this season.

This game presents a chance for the Hornets to exploit Miami’s weakened frontcourt. Charlotte comes into this contest with a 3-5 record, desperately searching for a turnaround to keep their playoff aspirations alive. The stakes are high as the teams prepare for tip-off amidst injury challenges.

As the clock ticks down to game time, all eyes will be on the court to see how both coaches adapt without their star players and which team can showcase resilience in the face of adversity.