Charlotte Hornets without PJ Washington and the Martin twins due to COVID-19 issues
The Charlotte Hornets had their rotation and their pre-game preparation blown up Friday by issues related to COVID-19.
The Hornets will play Friday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves without starting power forward P.J. Washington and reserves Caleb and Cody Martin. Also, the team lost access to Spectrum Center, for normal pre-game preparations, until about 1 1/2 hours before tip-off.
The Hornets do get back guard Devonte Graham, who has missed the past three games with a groin strain. Borrego said he didn’t know, as of about 5:45 p.m., if Graham would be on a minutes restriction due to the injury.
Borrego chose to start a three-guard lineup of Graham, LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier, which would move small forward Gordon Hayward to power forward. Cody Zeller is the starting center.
There is no indication yet how long Washington or the Martins might be out. The Hornets recalled forward Jalen McDaniels from the G-League bubble. McDaniels wouldn’t be available to play before at least Sunday’s home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Borrego described the situation as a “full disruption” of preparation to play the Timberwolves. But it’s not unlike what other NBA teams have already experienced in dealing with coronavirus issues.
“We knew this was part of the deal this season. We’ve just got to navigate it now,” Borrego said. “We’ve just got to adjust and adapt, and find ways to get creative in getting ready for this game.
“It’s not ideal, it’s not our routine, but we have a game to play and a job to do. That’s what we’ll do.”
A season amid the coronavirus pandemic
Washington has started 24 Hornets games this season, missing two due to a recent right foot sprain.
Caleb Martin has been a regular in the Hornets’ rotation. Cody Martin has been in and out of the rotation this season.
The Hornets have had two prior issues related to COVID-19. Malik Monk missed training camp after testing positive, and has since recovered. Rookie Nick Richards also missed a game earlier this season while a testing issue was resolved.
McDaniels started the season in the Hornets rotation, fell out, and then was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm to be part of the G-League season at Disney’s campus outside Orlando, Fla. In two games with the Swarm this week, McDaniels averaged 20 points and 11.5 rebounds.
This story was originally published February 12, 2021 at 4:06 PM.
