NBA Notes: Hornets, Kon Knueppel, Rockets, Alperen Sengun, Spurs

Hornets

Hornets wing Kon Knueppel, one of the early frontrunners for Rookie of the Year, suffered a right ankle injury late in the second quarter of Friday’s game at Orlando and was ruled out for the second half, the team announced.

Knueppel appeared to land on Desmond Bane’s foot while contesting a floater near the basket, rolling his ankle on the play. Video of the incident circulated on social media shortly after.

Head coach Charles Lee offered some early optimism following the Hornets’ win, saying that X-rays on Knueppel’s ankle came back negative, via Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer.

The 20-year-old has been one of Charlotte’s bright spots this season, playing a major role in the team’s improved competitiveness and emerging as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate.

Rockets

Rockets center Alperen Sengun is dealing with left calf tightness and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against Cleveland, according to the NBA’s official injury report.

Sengun, 23, was also listed as questionable earlier this week before being upgraded to available against the Lakers.

The former first-time All-Star continues to produce at a high level, averaging 22.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block in 35.6 minutes per game through 26 contests.

If he maintains that pace, Sengun is expected to be firmly in the All-Star mix again this season.

Spurs

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox is questionable for Saturday’s matchup against Utah due to left adductor tightness, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Fox played a major role in San Antonio’s third straight win over Oklahoma City on Thursday, delivering a big first half as the Spurs continued their recent surge.

He has appeared in 22 consecutive games after missing the first eight of the season with a hamstring injury.