Hornets Rule Out Coby White, Grant Williams for Upcoming Game

Charlotte's recent trade acquisition and key player remain sidelined as team faces Cleveland Cavaliers

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Charlotte Hornets have ruled out newly acquired guard Coby White and forward Grant Williams for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. White, who was traded to the Hornets just before the NBA trade deadline, has yet to make his debut for the team due to a left calf strain. Williams, a key player for the Hornets, will also miss the game as he continues to recover from a right knee injury.

Why it matters

The Hornets are in the midst of a playoff push, and the absences of White and Williams are a significant blow as they try to secure a postseason berth. White was acquired to provide scoring and playmaking, while Williams has been a valuable two-way contributor. The team will need to find ways to overcome these injuries and maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The details

White has been sidelined since joining the Hornets, as the team initially expected him to return after the All-Star break. However, he has now been ruled out for the game against the Cavaliers, along with Liam McNeeley, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain. Additionally, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté remain out due to their four-game suspensions. Grant Williams, who led the Hornets with 20 points and 9 rebounds in their previous game, has also been downgraded to out for the Cavaliers matchup as the team manages his right knee injury.

  • The Hornets traded for Coby White one day prior to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 5.
  • White has been with the Hornets for over two weeks but has yet to make his debut for the team.
  • The Hornets resumed play after the All-Star break last night, and White was ruled out for that game.
  • White and Liam McNeeley have been ruled out for the Hornets' game against the Cavaliers on February 20.

The players

Coby White

A guard who was recently traded to the Charlotte Hornets from the Chicago Bulls.

Grant Williams

A key forward for the Charlotte Hornets who is sidelined due to a right knee injury.

Miles Bridges

A Hornets player who remains out due to a four-game suspension.

Moussa Diabaté

A Hornets player who remains out due to a four-game suspension.

Liam McNeeley

A Hornets player who is out due to a left ankle sprain.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Hornets will play again on Sunday, and Coby White could potentially make his debut for the team then. However, since he has been immediately ruled out for the Cavaliers game, his return may not be imminent.

The takeaway

The Hornets' playoff push has been hampered by injuries and suspensions, with key players like Coby White and Grant Williams sidelined. The team will need to find ways to overcome these absences and maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.