Charlotte Hornets vs Brooklyn Nets: March 31 Injury Report and Match Preview
The Charlotte Hornets visit the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Charlotte holds a 39-36 record and sits 10th in the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn is 18-57 and already eliminated from playoff contention.
Injury report and availability
This March 31 injury report notes several questions for both teams. Availability will shape rotations and minutes for the final stretch.
Charlotte Hornets
- Tidjane Salaun – Forward – Game-time decision (calf). He is expected to play but could see limited minutes.
- Key contributors listed as available: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Tre Mann, Josh Green.
Brooklyn Nets
- Jalen Wilson – Forward – Game-time decision (illness). His minutes could be limited.
- Danny Wolf – Forward – Out (ankle).
- Terance Mann – Guard – Out (Achilles).
- Michael Porter Jr. – Forward – Out (hamstring).
- Egor Demin – Guard – Out for season (foot).
Projected rotations
Charlotte plans to lean on its established group. The Hornets have depth across the backcourt and frontcourt.
- Backcourt: LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James, Josh Green, Antonio Reeves, Coby White.
- Frontcourt: Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabaté, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Tidjane Salaun (if available), Xavier Tillman, Grant Williams.
Brooklyn will give minutes to younger pieces. Their rotation includes developmental players and short-term fill-ins.
- Backcourt: Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, Malachi Smith, Tyson Etienne.
- Frontcourt: Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Ziaire Williams, Chaney Johnson, E.J. Liddell.
Series context
This meeting is the third of the season. The series is tied 1-1.
- Game 1: Hornets 117, Nets 116 (Charlotte win).
- Game 2: Nets 116, Hornets 113 (Brooklyn win).
The winner will take the season series.
Stat comparison (2025–26)
| Category | Charlotte | Brooklyn |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 116.1 | 106.3 |
| Points allowed | 111.7 | 115.4 |
| Field goal % | 46.0% | 44.4% |
| Rebounds per game | 46.2 | 39.7 |
| Assists per game | 26.3 | 25.3 |
| Blocks per game | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Turnovers per game | 15.5 | 15.9 |
| 3‑point % | 38.0% | 34.2% |
Key matchup themes
Charlotte boasts a scoring edge and stronger three-point shooting. That should challenge Brooklyn’s weakened defense.
Rebounding is a clear factor. Charlotte averages a significant advantage on the glass. Players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabaté add size.
Motivation and depth
Charlotte remains in the play-in race. The Hornets enter with urgency and a playoff mindset.
Brooklyn is focusing on development. Young players will get extended minutes and experience.
Outlook
Current form favors Charlotte. Health and depth give them a practical advantage.
If the Hornets control rebounds and shoot well from distance, they should finish ahead. Brooklyn can stay competitive if its young shooters get hot and turnovers are limited.
Filmogaz.com will monitor any last-minute changes. Expect late updates on game-time decisions before tipoff.