Houston Rockets vs. Charlotte Hornets - News - February 19, 2026 | FOX Sports

Sion James - Starting Friday James will start Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact The Hornets will deploy a smaller starting lineup against Cleveland due to Grant Williams (knee) joining Miles Bridges (suspension) and Moussa Diabate (suspension) on the sidelines. As a starter this season (18 games), James has averaged 6.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 29.0 minutes per contest.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Mikel Brown Jr. is emerging as the ideal draft target for Hornets The allure of drafting Mikel Brown Jr. is obvious for the Charlotte Hornets because of his upside, fit, and ability to make an immediate imp...

FEBRUARY 20 • SWARMANDSTING.COM

Hornets have uncomfortable LaMelo Ball reality they simply cannot ignore The Charlotte Hornets have been much better with LaMelo Ball on the floor, but there is an area of his game that he could definitely improve...

FEBRUARY 20 • SWARMANDSTING.COM

Josh Okogie - Removed from rotation Okogie (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Thursday in the Rockets' 105-101 loss to the Hornets.

Impact For the second time in three games, head coach Ime Udoka dropped the struggling Okogie from his nine-man rotation and instead opted to go with Jae'Sean Tate for the final spot. The two DNPs were the first of the season for Okogie, who has fallen out of favor after shooting just 39.7 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range since the calendar flipped to 2026.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Grant Williams - Sitting out Friday Williams will be rested Friday against the Cavaliers.

Impact Williams has not been medically cleared for back-to-back sets yet. He recorded 20 points (7-10 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and one assist across 29 minutes during Thursday's 105-101 loss to the Rockets, taking advantage of Miles Bridges' suspension. Tidjane Salaun could be more involved as a result Friday.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Liam McNeeley - Out again Friday McNeeley (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact McNeeley will miss a third straight game and remains without a timetable to return. He's been a minor part of the rotation in recent weeks.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Coby White - Remains out Friday White (calf) will not play Friday against the Cavaliers.

Impact White has yet to debut for the Hornets as he continues to nurse a calf strain. For now, he's questionable at best for Sunday's game against the Wizards.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE