Miller’s Shoulder Injury Hits Hornets, But Team Poised To Fight

The Charlotte Hornets not only lost to the Miami Heat 144-117 on Tuesday night, but they may also be losing a key member of their core. Brandon Miller is seeking a second opinion on a shoulder injury — a worrying sign for his availability going forward.

Miller first suffered the injury in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers and has now missed two straight contests. He opened the 2025-26 season with 25 points and seven assists, showing early signs of a breakout before being limited to just 10 minutes the following night.

Seeking multiple opinions on an injury is rarely good news. If the worst-case scenario happens to the Hornets, how do they respond? And does losing Miller lower their ceiling for the season? Let’s dive in.

Next Man Up

Entering the season, Jeff Peterson prioritized adding depth capable of stepping in when injuries hit. In doing so, he added meaningful contributors through both free agency and the draft. An injury like this might have crippled Charlotte last year — not this time.

Of course, you want Miller’s two-way presence and his chemistry with LaMelo Ball on the floor. But this roster finally has options.

Collin Sexton looks poised for a larger role — one he’s proven capable of handling. While he may not defend at Miller’s level, his relentless effort helps offset that gap. Through the early stretch, he’s averaging 18.5 points on 58.1% shooting and 60% from three.

Keep an eye on rookies Sion James and Liam McNeeley as well. They can provide valuable minutes and versatility when needed. This is the kind of roster the Hornets envisioned — one that can withstand the storm rather than be swept away by it.

Fight On

While losing Miller remains a possibility, the Hornets are still in a position to compete. The roster is starting to mesh, and their growing chemistry is becoming more visible each night. Uncertainty shouldn’t bring doubt — it should inspire confidence.

Winning for your teammate matters, but proving that one setback won’t derail the mission matters even more. Despite Tuesday’s loss, Charlotte continues to show fight. That mindset — playing for each other and refusing to fold — will keep this group motivated and ready to battle until Miller returns.

Lean On Your Vets

Moments like this are when leadership takes center stage. Head Coach Charles Lee will be tasked with steadying the group. Veterans such as Miles Bridges can also help maintain focus, reminding the younger players that the season doesn’t stop for injuries. The Hornets’ ability to rally around one another — from the locker room to the court — will define how they navigate this stretch.

In Conclusion

The Hornets face uncertainty with Brandon Miller’s injury, but this season feels different. They have the depth, leadership, and belief to weather the storm. Adversity often reveals a team’s true identity — and for Charlotte, this is the moment to prove that resilience is part of theirs. If they continue to compete with the same unity and urgency, they won’t just survive this setback — they’ll grow stronger because of it.

Beyond just surviving, this moment can define the Hornets’ identity. How they respond to adversity — through effort, cohesion, and leadership — will signal whether this season is a stepping stone or a missed opportunity. Fans should expect grit, growth, and a team refusing to let one injury derail their ambitions.