What happened: Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel left Wednesday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets after playing fewer than six minutes. Knueppel was ruled out with left leg soreness after missing the team's first eight games. He scored three points in his brief return before exiting to the locker room.

Why it matters: Charlotte has dropped five consecutive games to fall to 3-6 on the season. Knueppel's continued absence with a left hamstring strain leaves the rotation thin as the team navigates an early-season slide.

What to watch: The Hornets continue their regular-season schedule seeking to snap their five-game losing streak while Knueppel remains sidelined.