Mitchell is listed as probable due to illness heading into Monday’s matchup against Charlotte. He did not suit up in Friday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, forcing the Cavaliers to adjust their rotation on short notice. His availability remains a key storyline, as Cleveland’s offensive identity changes significantly when he is not on the court.

With Mitchell sidelined on Friday, Tyrese Proctor stepped into the rotation and delivered a solid performance, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. If Mitchell suffers any setback, Proctor would likely remain in the starting lineup, although that scenario could shift if Sam Merrill, who is also listed as probable with a hand injury, returns after missing the last 14 games.

Darius Garland, coming off a 35-point outing, should continue to see an increase in scoring opportunities if Mitchell cannot return to the floor. That potential boost becomes even more relevant against the Hornets, who rank among the weakest defensive teams in the NBA this season.

Mitchell’s numbers

The Cavaliers have relied heavily on Mitchell throughout the campaign. They are 8–1 when he scores 35 points or more and 0–5 when he plays and finishes with 21 points or fewer. In games he has missed entirely, the Cavaliers are 1–2, underscoring just how central he is to their success.

Mitchell has been one of the few consistent bright spots for Cleveland this season. He has elevated his game by posting career highs in scoring, averaging 30.8 points per game, while also improving his overall efficiency. His presence not only boosts the Cavaliers’ offense, but also creates cleaner looks for his teammates.

Cavaliers dealing with major absences

The Cavaliers enter this matchup shorthanded. They will be without Evan Mobley with a calf injury, Larry Nance Jr. also sidelined by a calf issue, Max Strus out with a foot injury, and Luke Travers and Chris Livingston assigned to the G League. These absences remove several key pieces from the regular rotation and place even more pressure on Cleveland’s remaining core as they prepare to face Charlotte.

The postseason has long been a stage where familiar contenders return year after year, yet scattered across league history are teams whose playoff trips have become rare sightings, brief sparks in stretches defined by rebuilding identities.

For some franchises, reaching spring basketball has meant battling through unstable rosters, unlucky timing or cycles that never quite align. Their appearances arrive in short bursts.

These teams carry stories shaped by scarcity—moments of promise followed by long waits that test patience and reshape expectations. Their paths offer a different lens on NBA competition, one built less on tradition and more on the pursuit of a breakthrough.

New Orleans Pelicans | 9 playoff appearances

The New Orleans Pelicans stand out in the playoff scarcity conversation not because of a lack of talent — but because circumstance has repeatedly conspired against them. In their two decades of NBA history, the franchise has reached the postseason just 9 times, a modest number compared with most of the league.

This paltry total reflects not only a youthful franchise still carving out its identity, but also seasons brutally disrupted by injuries to cornerstone players. The Pelicans’ lore is heavily shaped by what might have been.

Zion Williamson’s tantalizing rise, marked by spectacular athleticism and alluring promise, has been repeatedly sidetracked by physical setbacks. These injury interruptions have not only kept fans on edge but undercut the team’s ability to build postseason continuity.

Even off-court decisions have proven pivotal: the high-profile firing of executive David Griffin in 2025 underscored the franchise’s hunger for structural success rather than fleeting sparks. For New Orleans, the playoff droughts feel less like failure than unfinished business.

Charlotte Hornets | 10 playoff appearances

Charlotte Hornets are among the most emblematic examples of persistent playoff struggles in the NBA. With 10 all-time postseason appearances in their history, they’ve spent far more seasons chasing relevance than celebrating victories.

Unlike some lottery teams that cycle through rebuilding phases quickly, Charlotte’s story is one of extended identity gaps. The periods between postseason pushes have often outlasted the glimpses of competitiveness on the floor.

Their last appearance came in 2016, and in the seasons since, inconsistency has plagued roster construction and strategic direction alike. This sporadic playoff presence isn’t rooted in total ineptitude but rather in their inability to string together sustained success.

Minnesota Timberwolves | 13 playoff appearances

Rarely have long droughts and electric highs been so tightly entwined as in the history of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their 13 total playoff appearances — modest by NBA standards — paint a picture of a franchise that has flirted with promise but seldom clutched consistency.

The Wolves’ greatest chapter came in 2004, when Kevin Garnett orchestrated a surge all the way to the Western Conference Finals, a run that remains a touchstone for fans decades later. Yet even that remarkable playoff journey feels almost like an anomaly within a broader landscape of unfulfilled potential.

In the years since, Minnesota has cycled through rebuilds, draft gambles, and coaching changes, each attempt reshaping expectations. While recent seasons have seen flashes of resurgence and a deeper competitive edge, the franchise’s overall playoff record still reads as a study in stops and starts, a reminder that rare postseason visits can feel like momentous breaths in an otherwise quiet history.

Toronto Raptors | 13 playoff appearances

On the surface, the Toronto Raptors’ 13 playoff appearances might place them alongside other infrequent postseason teams, but their narrative takes on added intrigue thanks to a historic twist: they won an NBA championship, a feat few franchises with similar appearance counts can claim.

The Raptors’ golden moment came in 2019, when a blend of savvy management, defensive grit, and elite two-way stars culminated in the franchise’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy. It elevated Toronto from perennial underdog to global contender overnight.

Yet outside that unforgettable season, Toronto’s playoff narrative has been more muted, with several campaigns falling short of deep runs and sporadic appearances marking their timeline. Their story underscores a unique truth in NBA lore: impact isn’t only measured by frequency but by the depth of success when it arrives.

Memphis Grizzlies | 14 playoff appearances

The Memphis Grizzlies have carved out a niche identity rooted in toughness and character, but over the course of their history they’ve only made the playoffs 14 times, a reflection of the challenges small-market teams often face against the deep pockets and star power elsewhere in the league.

Memphis’s finest postseason hour arrived in 2013, when the gritty “Grit and Grind” squad powered its way to the Western Conference Finals. That journey wasn’t just a tactical triumph, it became a cultural hallmark of the franchise.

But such peaks have been spaced out over long stretches of regular-season rebuilding and roster churn. In a league where continuity increasingly translates to sustained success, the Grizzlies have often had to restart rather than refine, making each season at the cusp of postseason contention feel like a reset as much as a chance at progress.

Los Angeles Clippers | 19 playoff appearances

In the sprawling sports metropolis of Los Angeles, the Clippers’ journey has been defined as much by perception as performance. They’ve made the playoffs 19 times, a respectable total compared with some expansion-era peers, yet their narrative has long been overshadowed by their glamorous citymates, the Lakers.

For decades, the Clippers were the epitome of the “other” LA team: perennial also-rans, draft lottery mainstays, hopeful but rarely headline-grabbing. That began to shift in the 2010s with the emergence of the Lob City era, when electrifying star power thrust them into meaningful playoff runs and energized a new generation of fans.

Yet even as the Clippers now compete regularly, their overall playoff history remains modest and uneven compared with blue-blood franchises. Their narrative is not one of perennial underachievement, but of persistent evolution: the story of a team shedding its underdog label yet still yearning for a signature postseason legacy.

Sacramento Kings | 30 playoff appearances

Of all the teams on this list, the Sacramento Kings’ story is the one that echoes through NBA lore as a testament to both history and heartbreak. With 30 all-time playoff appearances, they’ve certainly seen the postseason as often as many franchises but it’s their deep droughts between those visits that define them.

Sacramento once stood among the West’s fiercest competitors, even reaching the Conference Finals in the early 2000s. But that early promise was followed by an era of prolonged absence from the postseason: a 16-year gap between 2006 and 2022, the longest such stretch in league history.

When the Kings finally broke through that seemingly endless drought, it felt like a collective exhale from a fanbase that had endured heartbreak and false dawns for nearly two decades. Sacramento’s playoff narrative isn’t just about appearances, it’s about resilience and the emotional geography of waiting for return after return.

“Star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports,” reported Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.

However, Ball himself took immediate action to dismiss the rumor. Instead of using words, the 24-year-old guard chose to respond to Iko’s post on social media with a clown emoji, clearly signaling that the information was nothing more than a ridiculous rumor.

Iko’s report also suggested that the Hornets front office are considering moving on from Ball, whom they were initially confident in building around after drafting him with the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

“League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him,” Iko continued in his report. Ball chose not to comment on this specific information but made it clear that Iko’s report regarding his own trade request was untrue.

The Hornets can reverse the situation

Despite a bad start to the season and the shocking loss to the Pacers, the Hornets have the capability to reverse their situation. The key to this turnaround is Ball’s health, as the guard is the team’s leader, and they elevate their game to the next level when he is on the court. Ball has missed six games so far this season. Through nine contests, he is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists (leading the team), and 1.7 steals.

The Hornets are a completely different team when Ball is healthy, and they benefit from the outstanding performances of Miles Bridges, who has played every game and is averaging 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest.

Another bright spot for the team is fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel, who has impressed by averaging 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and three assists per game. Collin Sexton is another critical piece for Charles Lee’s team, serving as the driving force off the bench, where he averages 15.2 points through 14 games.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Hornets have listed LaMelo Ball as probable (right ankle impingement) for tonight’s contest in Milwaukee. This is a significant update, as he aims to return after a five-game absence.

The Hornets’ star missed half of last season due to this very injury, which required offseason surgery. Following the team’s loss to the Timberwolves, Ball was forced to miss the subsequent five games.

Ball’s absence has been a major blow to the Hornets, though they managed to secure two victories without him. Ball is the primary contributor for the Hornets, leading the team in scoring (23.3 PPG), assists (9.8 APG), and rebounds (7.8 RPG) through six games.

Hornets leading with injuries since the start of the season

The Charlotte side have struggled significantly with health since the start of the season, suffering key setbacks across their roster. Brandon Miller sustained a left shoulder injury during the second game, after opening the season with 25 points and seven assists, making him a significant loss to the team’s offense.

In addition to Miller, the Hornets will be without Grant Williams (right knee surgery), Josh Green (left shoulder surgery), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (personal reasons). Furthermore, KJ Simpson is also listed as probable (left Ac joint sprain), while Liam McNeeley (illness) is listed as questionable for the contest.

Miles Bridges has stepped up as the primary leader for the Hornets in Ball’s absence, as he has averaged 21.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Alongside strong contributions from Collin Sexton (15.8 PPG) and rookie Kon Knueppel (16.6 PPG), the Charlotte teams have managed to navigate a challenging stretch marked by numerous injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (right groin strain) has been upgraded to probable and is expected to make his return tonight against the Charlotte Hornets, according to Chris Haynes.

Before Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, head coach J.J. Redick told reporters that Reaves was expected to return at some point during the team’s five-game road trip. It now appears that his comeback could happen as soon as Monday.

This season, Reaves has been in outstanding form, averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from beyond the arc. He has been performing at an All-Star level for a Lakers team that has opened the season with a 7-3 record.

Reaves’ standout performances

Reaves scored an impressive 51 points against the Sacramento Kings earlier this season when two of his teammates were sidelined. He’s been averaging 37.9 minutes per game — a heavy workload that may have contributed to his recent groin injury.

With Reaves nearing a return, the Lakers are also hoping to get LeBron James back on the floor. The 40-year-old star has yet to make his season debut due to a sciatic nerve issue but is reportedly making progress in his recovery.

The Lakers are 2-1 without Reaves this season, with wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs, but they fell in their most recent game against the Atlanta Hawks. His absence has highlighted just how vital he is to the team’s rhythm and offensive balance.

For now, the Lakers will continue to manage his minutes carefully once he returns, ensuring that Reaves can maintain his level of impact while staying healthy for the long stretch of the NBA regular season.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Charlotte Hornets have ruled out LaMelo Ball (right ankle impingement) for tonight’s matchup in Miami.

The Hornets‘ star missed half of last season due to this very injury, which led him to undergo offseason surgery for a complete recovery. However, following the recent defeat to the Timberwolves, Ball was forced to miss the subsequent two games, and his presence tonight remains in doubt.

Ball’s absence represents a significant blow to the Hornets, even though they managed to secure a victory against the Jazz in their last outing. Ball is the primary contributor for the Hornets, leading the team in points (23.3 PPG), assists (9.8 APG), and rebounds (7.8 RPG) through six games.

Injuries continue to mount for short-handed Hornets

The Charlotte side has struggled with health since the start of the season, suffering key setbacks across their roster. Brandon Miller sustained a left shoulder injury during the second game, after opening the season with 25 points and seven assists, making him a significant loss to the team’s offense.

In addition to Miller, the Hornets will be without Grant Williams (right knee surgery) and Josh Green (left shoulder surgery). Furthermore, Collin Sexton (neck strain) is also ruled out for the contest.

The absence of Sexton is another important blow, as he serves as the primary offensive driving force off the bench, where he is currently averaging 16.1 points per contest. With those absences confirmed, the Hornets will likely depend heavily on Miles Bridges, Tre Mann, and rookie Kon Knueppel.

According to the official NBA injury report, the Hornets have listed LaMelo Ball as available to play (right ankle impingement) for tonight’s contest against the Timberwolves.

Ball has played in all five of the Hornets’ games this season and delivered a strong performance in the recent 107-123 loss to the Orlando Magic, where he posted 17 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds

Tonight marks the first night of a back-to-back set for the Hornets, meaning it would not be surprising for the coaching staff to rest the star guard as a precautionary measure. Ball is Charlotte’s primary contributor, averaging a dynamic 24.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.

Hornets battle mounting injuries

The Charlotte side has struggled with health since the start of the season, suffering key setbacks across their roster. Brandon Miller sustained a left shoulder injury during the second game, after opening the season with 25 points and seven assists.

In addition to Miller, the Hornets will be without Grant Williams (right knee surgery) and Josh Green (left shoulder surgery). With so many players sidelined, Tre Mann would probably get more participation, while Collin Sexton will serve as the primary offensive driving force off the bench, where he is currently averaging 18.6 points per contest.

According to the most recent NBA injury report, the Magic have listed Franz Wagner as questionable (left heel contusion) for tonight’s contest against the Hornets. However, Underdog NBA reported that coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed that Wagner’s availability a game-time decision.

The German forward joins his brother, Moritz Wagner (left knee injury recovery), and Jalen Suggs (left knee injury management), who are both officially ruled out for tonight.

Wagner is coming off a strong individual performance in the Magic‘s recent 135-116 defeat to the Detroit Pistons, where he recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Despite the efforts of Wagner and Paolo Banchero (24 points), Orlando is struggling to find consistency, having logged four consecutive losses.

If Wagner is unavailable, it would be a significant loss for the squad managed by Mosley. The German has appeared in all five of the Magic’s games so far, where he has been a consistent force, averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game.

With Suggs already ruled out and Wagner potentially sidelined, it is highly likely that sophomore Tristan Da Silva will see increased minutes. Da Silva played 21 minutes in the last game against the Pistons, tallying 15 points and three rebounds. Additionally, rookie Jase Richardson and Jonathan Isaac could also step into important roles tonight.

What about the Hornets?

Conversely, the Hornets enter this matchup with a 2-2 record after falling to the Miami Heat. This will mark the third consecutive game they will be without forward Brandon Miller due to a left shoulder injury. Aside from Miller, Charlotte will also be without Grant Williams (right knee surgery) and Josh Green (left shoulder surgery).

The Hornets will once again look for leadership from LaMelo Ball, who is averaging a phenomenal 26.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, while shooting 44 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.

“Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Jame Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” read an official NBA statement.

The incident occurred with four minutes left in the game when Ball was whistled for a foul after driving to the basket against Davion Mitchell. Immediately following the call, LaMelo flipped off the referee, earning himself a technical foul.

Ball’s obscene gesture toward the official unfortunately overshadows the strong performance he delivered against the Heat. Despite the lopsided loss, the Hornets guard nearly recorded his second triple-double of the season, tallying 20 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

The third overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft is enjoying a great start to the season. Through the Hornets’ first four games, he is averaging 26.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, while shooting 44 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Ball’s second career fine

This fine marks the second penalty of Ball’s six seasons in the NBA. His previous fine came in 2023 when he was penalized $100,000 for using offensive language during a postgame interview.

At $35,000, the fine issued to Ball is currently the most expensive of the season. However, Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga also received a fine for the same amount during the NBA preseason for making physical contact with an official during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

After being listed as questionable throughout the day in the NBA injury report, the Heat officially ruled Norman Powell out of tonight’s game against the Hornets due to right groin soreness.

Powell has instantly become a key player for the Heat following his trade from the Clippers. The shooting guard has been phenomenal in his first three games, averaging 24.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

Powell’s absence will be a significant loss for Miami. The veteran was instrumental in leading his team to a victory over the Knicks in the last contest, where he recorded 29 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

In addition to Powell, Italian forward Simone Fontecchio is on the injury report but has been upgraded to probable (left calf soreness). Still confirmed out for tonight are Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Terry Rozier.

Powell’s immediate impact sets franchise record

After enduring a challenging NBA season with the Clippers, Powell was acquired by the Heat with the goal of helping him recapture his high level of play. While only three games have been logged, the early returns suggest he is well on his way.

In total, Powell racked up 72 points in his first three outings, a scoring binge that broke a franchise record. He surpassed the marks set by Kendrick Nunn (67), Kevin Willis (64), and LeBron James (62) to become the player with the most points scored for the Heat in his first three games with the organization.

Unlike many franchises, the Oklahoma City Thunder have strategically chosen to focus on retaining their core players rather than seeking new additions. This commitment solidifies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as the offensive leaders, setting high expectations for a return to top contender status in the 2025-26 NBA season.

As Thunder prepare to face the Charlotte Hornets, head coach Mark Daigneault is poised to rely heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander to orchestrate the offense. Despite the game being a preseason matchup, the 27-year-old is expected to deliver a standout performance as he’s returning from a stellar season where he earned the MVP honors for both the regular season and the finals.

Thunder still face key absences in NBA preseason opener vs Hornets

Head coach Mark Daigneault is gearing up for the preseason opener with Shai leading the lineup. However, he faces the challenge of navigating key absences. Jalen Williams, sidelined by a wrist injury, will miss the entire preseason. Kenrich Williams, grappling with lingering issues, will not return until early November. Meanwhile, a major setback struck as rookie Thomas Sorber is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Despite facing significant absences, the Thunder boast a deep roster that allows them to remain competitive without major issues. Head coach Mark Daigneault can strategically manage player minutes, providing opportunities for some unexpected stars to shine. This preseason, the franchise appears to prioritize regaining competitive rhythm over securing wins, as it sets its sights on capturing another championship.

What’s next for Thunder in the NBA preseason after facing Hornets?

After clashing with the Charlotte Hornets, the Oklahoma City Thunder gear up for a hectic two-week schedule. They kick off their road trip by taking on the Dallas Mavericks on October 6 in their second preseason matchup. The Thunder then return home to host the Hornets in a rematch, before closing out the week with a trip to Indiana to challenge the Pacers.

The action-packed fortnight continues, as Oklahoma City prepare for two pivotal games from October 12-18. On October 14, they hit the road to face the formidable Milwaukee Bucks, and they wrap up their first two weeks of preseason by hosting the Denver Nuggets on October 17.