USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets guard Frank Ntilikina limped off the court in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Boston Celtics. He was helped off the court by Hornets trainers in what appeared to be a left knee injury.

Ntilikina is slated to be the backup point guard to LaMelo Ball and has received praise from Hornets head coach Steve Clifford for his defensive makeup.

"He's our best defender. His team defense is very good. His individual pick-and-roll defense is...I would dare say there's not many guys in this league better than him. He can guard primary scorers and there are not many guys who can do that. You get that type of defense with six assists and no turnovers then obviously he's helping you."

The Hornets are already down James Bouknight (knee), Theo Maledon (shoulder), Cody Martin (knee), and Bryce McGowens (ankle) in the backcourt.

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