Coby White Ruled Out for Hornets' Clash With Rockets

Charlotte Hornets release injury report ahead of Thursday's game, White remains sidelined with calf injury.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Charlotte Hornets have released their injury report ahead of Thursday's home game against the Houston Rockets, and newly acquired guard Coby White is listed as out due to a calf injury. White has been sidelined since being traded to the Hornets earlier this month and will miss his team's first game back from the All-Star break.

Why it matters

The Hornets were hoping to have White available to provide a spark off the bench, but his continued absence means the team will have to rely on their existing rotation as they look to build momentum coming out of the break. White's injury is a setback for the Hornets as they try to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

According to the Hornets' injury report, White is joined on the sidelines by Liam McNeeley (ankle), Miles Bridges (suspension), and Moussa Diabate (suspension). The Hornets' starting lineup is expected to feature LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Grant Williams, and Ryan Kalkbrenner, with Tre Mann, Sion James, Josh Green, Tidjane Salaün, and PJ Hall coming off the bench.

  • The Hornets host the Rockets on Thursday, February 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM.

The players

Coby White

A seven-year NBA veteran who was recently traded to the Charlotte Hornets, but has been sidelined with a calf injury since the deal.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard and a key part of their starting lineup.

Ryan Kalkbrenner

A rookie center who has earned a spot in the Hornets' starting five.

PJ Hall

A second-year center for the Hornets who may see increased playing time with Coby White out.

Xavier Tillman

A Hornets big man who could see more minutes off the bench with Hall's contract situation potentially limiting his playoff eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“Unless the Hornets waive a player and convert Hall's contract to a standard NBA deal before March 1st, the second-year center will be ineligible for the NBA playoffs if the Hornets qualify for the dance.”

— Jeff Peterson, Author (SI.com)

What’s next

The Hornets will need to monitor Coby White's recovery and determine if he can return to the lineup in the coming weeks. The team may also need to make a roster move to ensure PJ Hall's playoff eligibility if they want to maximize their postseason rotation.

The takeaway

Coby White's continued absence is a setback for the Hornets as they try to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The team will have to rely on their existing rotation, which includes several young players looking to make an impact, as they try to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.