Bryce McGowens Injury News & Updates

McGowens isn't starting Monday's game against the Spurs.

McGowens will return to a bench role after starting five straight games for the Pelicans. He's struggled to make an impact as a reserve, averaging 7.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in his previous five appearances off the bench.

McGowens had 15 points (5-12 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Thursday's 125-116 loss to Minnesota.

This was a nice bounce-back game for McGowens, who was held to just six points on 2-for-5 shooting his last time out. The 23-year-old two-guard will likely be inconsistent, but he'll continue to see a ton of opportunity while Jordan Poole (quad), Herbert Jones (calf) and Zion Williamson (adductor) are out.

McGowens notched 23 points (9-18 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds and five assists over 33 minutes during Sunday's 133-121 loss to the Lakers.

McGownes is now with his fourth team in four seasons after signing a two-way contract with the Pelicans in July. A fractured rib halted what had been a promising campaign with Portland's G League club, but the Trail Blazers declined to extend his qualifying offer. The Pelicans are hurting at almost every position, so while McGowen's move from the Birmingham Squadron wasn't surprising, his team-leading Sunday result was unexpected.

McGowens will start Saturday's game against the Warriors.

With the Pelicans missing multiple key players, McGowens will get the starting nod for the first time this season. Over his last three appearances with the parent club, the two-way player has averaged 8.7 points in 17.3 minutes per contest.

McGowens signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

McGowens will be with his third team in four years since entering the NBA ranks back in 2022. The 23-year-old wing spent the 2024-25 campaign on a two-way contract with Portland, averaging 2.5 minutes in 13 NBA appearances. He'll fill the Pelicans' third and final two-way slot, and he'll have to compete with the likes of Trey Alexander and Micah Peavy for a slot in the back end of the rotation. Considering New Orleans' quality depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions, it's likely McGowens spends a significant chunk of the 2025-26 season in the G League.

McGowens will miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a right rib fracture during Monday's G League game with the Rip City Remix, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

McGowens was the Remix's leading scorer in the G League, and across his last 10 outings he averaged 30.0 points on 50.3 percent shooting along with 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks over 32.8 minutes per game. He appeared in 13 games for the Trail Blazers but averaged just 2.5 minutes per game. McGowens is on a one-year, two-way contract with the Trail Blazers, and it's unclear whether he'll return to the organization for the 2025-26 campaign.

McGowens (shoulder) registered two points (1-1 FG) across 3:46 of playing time in Team G League's 25-14 loss to Team C in the final of the Rising Stars event Friday.

McGowens had a far bigger impact during Team G League's 40-39 win over Team M in the semifinals, finishing with 12 points (5-90 FG, 2-4 3Pt), one rebound, one assist and two steals while hitting the game-winning three to advance to the finals. McGowens had been dealing with a shoulder injury prior to the All-Star break, but that didn't prevent him from participating in Friday's Rising Stars event. The 2022 second-round pick will likely return to the G League with the Rip City Remix following the All-Star break.

McGowens (elbow) is available to play Saturday against the Spurs.

McGowens has been dealing with a right elbow injury, but he'll be able to suit up Saturday. His lone regular-season appearance came against the Lakers on Dec. 8, when he finished with two points and one assist in three minutes of action.

McGowens finished with 37 points (11-25 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 8-9 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block across 39 minutes in Monday's 112-109 G League loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors.

The two-way guard delivered a game-high mark in points, though he struggled with efficiency from three-point range. Over his last five G League Tip-Off Tournament matchups, McGowens has averaged an impressive 33.6 points, 4.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds across 36.6 minutes per game. The 22-year-old has been stellar in the G League, though he has played only three minutes for the parent club in Portland thus far.

McGowens recorded 20 points (5-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), two rebounds and two assists over 21 minutes during Monday's 97-95 Summer League win over the 76ers.

McGowens put up a team-high 20 points and managed to get to the charity stripe with ease. The Nebraska product put pen to paper on a two-way contract Thursday and is seemingly eager to prove that he can handle rotation minutes, though he'll need to further distinguish himself amongst a crowded backcourt. Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen), Kris Murray, Rayan Rupert and Justin Minaya are also in the mix to secure backup guard minutes behind Anfernee Simons (knee).

McGowens agreed to a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers on Thursday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

McGowens spent the first two seasons of his career with the Hornets, but he was let go by Charlotte over the weekend. After performing well late in the California Classic Summer League for the Hornets, he will land a deal with the Trail Blazers that will allow him to move easily between the G League and parent club.

The Hornets waived McGowens on Saturday, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

McGowens spent the first two years of his career with the Hornets, and he averaged 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists across 16.0 minutes per game. The 21-year-old will enter free agency after starting in 14 of the Hornets' 59 games last season, during which he averaged 9.1 points and shot 46.7 percent from the field.

McGowens is in the starting lineup for Sunday's regular-season finale against Cleveland.

McGowens will log his first start since Feb. 4, with 13 starts on the year yielding 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 47.4 percent shooting thus far. The second-year guard will get another opportunity to showcase his athleticism and shot making in Charlotte's 82nd game.

McGowens notched five points (2-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt) and one rebound over eight minutes during Wednesday's 115-114 win over Atlanta.

McGowens has been on the fringes of the Hornets' rotation late in the year, but he was relatively efficient with his limited playing time Wednesday. Over his last seven appearances, he's averaged just 2.6 points in 6.0 minutes per game.

McGowens (knee) recorded two points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and no other statistics over three minutes Monday in the Hornets' 115-92 loss to the Cavaliers.

McGowens was cleared to play after a seven-game absence due to a right knee strain, but he didn't capture a spot in the rotation in his return. Aside from JT Thor playing the final 1:50 of the second quarter, Hornets head coach Steve Clifford ran a tight eight-man rotation while the contest was competitive, as McGowens and the team's other three deep reserves (Thor, Nick Smith and Amari Bailey) all checked into the game with 3:06 remaining and Charlotte trailing by 21 points. All of LaMelo Ball (ankle), Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) were sidelined Monday, but it may take the Hornets to be down another guard before McGowens picks up meaningful playing time.

McGowens (knee) is available for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

McGowens hasn't played since March 8, so he'll likely be limited off the bench during Monday's contest. Over his last seven appearances, McGowens has averaged 2.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.

McGowens (knee) has been upgraded to questionable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

McGowens was initially ruled out for Monday's matchup, but he's trending in the right direction ahead of tipoff. However, he hasn't played since March 8, so if he's cleared to suit up Monday, he could have a minutes restriction.

McGowens (knee) won't play Monday against the Cavaliers.

McGowens hasn't seen any action since March 8 due to a right knee strain. His next chance to return will arrive Wednesday against the Cavaliers.

McGowens (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

McGowens continues to deal with a right knee sprain and will be sidelined again Saturday. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but his next chance to suit up will be Monday against Cleveland.

McGowens (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game in Orlando.

McGowens hasn't played since March 8 due to a swollen right knee, which has been diagnosed as a sprain. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday in Atlanta.

McGowens (knee) is out for Saturday's game versus the 76ers.

McGowens's absence streak will extend to five games Saturday due to a swollen right knee. His next chance to suit up is Tuesday's matchup with Orlando.

McGowens (knee) will not play Friday versus Phoenix.

McGowens' multi-game absence comes at an inopportune time for the second-year guard, as Cody Martin and LaMelo Ball are both amid extended absences due to ankle injuries. McGowens faces a quick turnaround time for his next opportunity to take the court Saturday against Philadelphia.

McGowens (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Memphis.

McGowens will miss his third straight game due to right knee inflammation. His next opportunity to take the court comes Friday versus Phoenix.

McGowens has been ruled out for Monday's game against Detroit

McGowens will miss his second consecutive game due to right knee inflammation. He joins a litany of injuries in the Hornets' backcourt, with Tre Mann (groin) considered doubtful and LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and Seth Curry (ankle) all amid extended absences.

McGowens (knee) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Nets.

McGowens has been downgraded from questionable to out Saturday due to right knee swelling. His next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Detroit.

McGowens is considered questionable for Saturday's game versus the Nets due to knee swelling.

McGowens' status Saturday will likely depend on how his knee is feeling closer to tipoff. With Tre Mann (groin) out, Brandon Miller could see an uptick in his usual minutes should McGowens also get ruled out, while Nick Smith and Vasilije Micic could see some run in the rotation.

McGowens ended with 15 points (5-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds and one steal over 30 minutes during Friday's 120-84 loss to the Bucks.

The Hornets trailed by 28 points at halftime and never made a serious run in the second half, which helps explain why McGowens reached 30 minutes for the first time since mid-December. The second-year pro made the most of the opportunity, matching his season-high marks with 15 points and five boards. McGowens doesn't usually get enough minutes to be a viable fantasy asset, though he's been getting a longer look of late and has scored in double digits in four of his past five games.

McGowens will come off the bench Monday versus the Lakers.

McGowens is coming off three straight starts, which yielded 8.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals on 43.8 percent shooting in 18.3 minutes per game. Leaky Black will run with the starters Monday.

McGowens posted 15 points (6-10 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists, one block and four steals over 25 minutes during Friday's 126-106 loss to Oklahoma City.

McGowens had only recorded one steal since Dec. 19, so Friday is best regarded as an aberration, although his activity defensively is an encouraging sign. The second-year guard from Nebraska has limited turnovers while seeing incremental growth in efficiency across the board this season.

McGowens will start Wednesday's game against the Bulls, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

McGowens has been on the fringes of the Hornets' rotation recently, but he'll make his 11th start of the season Wednesday since LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been ruled out once again. Over his previous starts this year, McGowens has averaged 8.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.1 minutes per game.

McGowens (hip) is available for Saturday's game versus the 76ers.

McGowens has been upgraded from questionable to available Saturday after missing the previous two games with a left hip strain. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) out, McGowens will likely receive increased playing time.

McGowens (hip) is considered questionable for Saturday's matchup with the 76ers.

McGowens has missed the Hornets' previous two games due to a hip strain. His status Saturday will likely depend on how he is feeling closer to kickoff. The 21-year-old averaged 5.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.8 triples across 17.7 minutes in his 10 previous games prior to the injury.

McGowens (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game against San Antonio.

McGowens continues to deal with a left hip strain and will be unavailable for a second consecutive game. However, the Hornets will get a boost since Brandon Miller (back) has been cleared to return Friday. Whether McGowens will be available for Saturday's game against the 76ers remains to be seen.

McGowens (hip) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Spurs.

McGowens is in danger of missing his second straight game Friday due to a left hip strain. With Brandon Miller (back) also questionable, Cody Martin could remain in Charlotte's starting five.

McGowens (hip) is out for Wednesday's game versus the Pelicans.

McGowens will miss his first game since Nov. 4 on Wednesday after being downgraded from questionable to out with a left hip strain. With Brandon Miller (back) also out, Cody Martin will likely receive increased playing time. McGowen's next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with the Spurs.

McGowens is questionable to play Wednesday against New Orleans due to a left hip flexor strain.

McGowens has been infrequently utilized of late for the Hornets, making two starts in Charlotte's last five games, while also logging up two games where he played just five minutes. No in-game injury was reported for McGowens following Sunday's loss to Miami, which likely indicates that the second-year guard is dealing with a minor injury.

Roderick Boone of The Charlotte ObserverMcGowens will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Spurs, Rod Boone reports.

LaMelo Ball (ankle) is making his return to action Friday, and that will push Terry Rozier over to shooting guard where Mcgowens has been filling in. Given how shorthanded the Hornets are, McGowens is likely to be a key contributor for the second unit.

McGowens will start Monday's game against the Bulls, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

McGowens was relegated to a bench role Saturday versus Chicago after starting five straight contests, but with Cody Martin (groin) sidelined, McGowens wil move back into the starting lineup Monday. Across eight starts this season, McGowens has averaged 9.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 23.4 minutes per game.

McGowens ended with four points (1-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), two rebounds and two assists over 21 minutes during Tuesday's 111-104 win over Sacramento.

With the Hornets shorthanded, McGowens has made five straight starts, averaging 7.6 points, 2.2 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 21.8 minutes. He's made eight total starts this season, averaging 9.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 23.4 minutes. Even with a starting role, McGowens doesn't need to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.

McGowens will join the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Clippers.

Brandon Miller (ankle) will sit out Tuesday's contest, so the Hornets will need Mcgowens to provide some floor spacing. In three previous starts this season, McGowens averaged 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.0 three-pointers.

McGowens won't start Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

McGowens drew back-to-back starts in Gordon Hayward's (illness) absence, but the latter will return to action Wednesday, sending the former to a bench role. As a reserve this season (17 appearances), McGowens has averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game.

McGowens totaled 14 points (4-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 32 minutes during Monday's 114-99 loss to Toronto.

Gordon Hayward has missed the past two games for Charlotte due to illness, but McGowens has made the most of this opportunity. In that pair of games, the second-year guard averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 three-pointers while shooting a combined 9-of-19 from the field. Hayward's status for Wednesday against Indiana is still in the air.

McGowens finished Saturday's 135-82 loss to Philadelphia with 12 points (5-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT) and two rebounds over 24 minutes.

McGowens scored double-digits for just the fourth time this season, sliding into the starting lineup, replacing Gordon Hayward who was ruled out with an illness. The Hornets were never in this one, meaning even the starters were limited. Despite the offensive production, McGowens has no fantasy value outside of very deep formats.

McGowens is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the 76ers.

Gordon Hayward (illness) is being held out Saturday, and the Hornets were already shorthanded before that news dropped. McGowens is likely to see a heavy workload and more usage than he usually does Saturday evening. In his one previous start this season, McGowens had 14 points, three assists, two rebounds, one block and four triples.

McGowens isn't in the starting five for Saturday's game versus the Timberwolves.

Brandon Miller will reclaim his starting spot from McGowens after missing the previous game with an ankle injury. McGowens is averaging 4.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.9 minutes across his previous 10 appearances coming off the bench this season.

McGowens posted 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-5 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and one block across 22 minutes during Thursday's 129-128 win over the Nets.

McGowens drew the start for Brandon Miller who is day-t-day with an ankle issue. McGowens' 14 points mark a season high, and it was the third time this season he scored in double figures. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) sidelined for multiple games, McGowens could see his fantasy value trend up if Miller also misses more time as the Hornets need some floor spacing.

McGowens will start Thursday's game against the Nets, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

McGowens came off the bench in his first 11 appearances of the season but will join the starting lineup for the first time with Brandon Miller (ankle) unavailable Thursday. McGowens started seven games for the Hornets last year and averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 29.1 minutes per game during those appearances.

McGowens finished Wednesday's 117-114 victory over the Wizards with 13 points (4-5 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one block and one steal across 23 minutes.

McGowens has had a relatively limited impact off the bench this season, but he topped 20 minutes of playing time for the second time this year during Wednesday's narrow win. He's now scored in double figures in two of his last five appearances and has averaged 6.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game during that time.

McGowens registered 12 points (4-7 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal over 29 minutes during Tuesday's 111-105 loss to the Heat.

McGowens was hampered by ankle sprains throughout training camp and early-season action, but Charlotte's injury woes opened the door for the second-year guard to contribute Tuesday. McGowens had combined for just seven points across 47 minutes in four prior appearances, so he'll look to carry his newfound momentum into Friday's game against Milwaukee.

McGowens (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Pistons.

McGowens was questionable for Friday's matchup due to a sprained left ankle, but he'll be able to make his season debut against Detroit. He was dealing with the injury for a week and a half, so it's possible his playing time is monitored Friday.

McGowens (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game versus the Pistons.

McGowens was deemed doubtful before being ruled out Wednesday, so his upgraded status is a good sign of his availability Friday. If McGowens is able to suit up, Cody Martin's (knee) absence could open up some playing time.

McGowens (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's season opener against the Hawks.

McGowens has been downgraded from doubtful to out Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain. His next chance to suit up will be Friday's matchup with Detroit.

McGowens (ankle) is doubtful for Wednesday's season opener against Atlanta.

McGowens will likely miss the Hornets' season opener due to an ankle injury he suffered during the preseason. The second-year guard is unlikely to receive much playing time, even when available.

McGowens (ankle) won't play in Thursday's preseason finale against Boston.

McGowens will miss Thursday's contest due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Thunder. His next chance to suit up will be Charlotte's regular-season opener against Atlanta on Oct. 25.

McGowens (ankle) is out for the remainder of Sunday's preseason contest against Oklahoma City, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

McGowens rolled his left ankle in a workout at the end of September, and tweaked the same ankle Sunday. McGowens stepped on a teammates' foot and immediately signaled for help getting off the court. His availability for the start of the regular season is in serious danger.

McGowens (ankle) is available for Thursday's preseason game against the Wizards.

McGowens sat out Tuesday's preseason opener against Miami due to his ankle injury, but he'll be able to suit up for Thursday's matchup. He'll have to fight for a roster spot ahead of the regular season.

McGowens (ankle) won't play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Heat.

McGowens has been downgraded all the way from probable to out Tuesday due to an ankle injury. His next chance to suit up will be Thursday's preseason matchup with Washington.

McGowens (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's preseason opener against the Heat.

McGowens has battled an ankle injury to start training camp, but it appears he's healthy enough to play. It's unclear how many minutes he'll get, but the 2022 second-round pick will have to make the most of his playing time, as he's fighting for a roster spot in a crowded backcourt.

McGowens sprained his ankle in a workout last week, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

McGowens will be limited throughout the first week of training camp, which starts tomorrow for the Hornets. The 20-year-old appeared in 46 games for Charlotte last season, but he faces new competition for minutes from rookies Nick Smith and Amari Bailey.

McGowens accumulated 22 points (6-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 9-10 FT), four rebounds, four assists and two steals across 33 minutes during Sunday's 106-95 win over the Cavaliers.

As the season came to an end McGowens got plenty of opportunities. He started the final six games of the year while averaging 30 minutes. In those six contests McGowens averaged 14.7 points on 48.3 percent shooting. The rookie cleared the 20-point plateau for the first time in his career, as he tied with Mark Williams for the team high on Sunday. McGowens will have to fight for a bigger role next season in the Hornets' rotation

McGowens notched 20 points (7-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 120-100 loss to the Raptors.

McGowens hadn't tallied more than 12 points in a game prior to Tuesday's outburst, which came thanks to the vast majority of the team's regulars taking a seat. McGowens may continue to produce over the final two games of the regular season, but it shouldn't be viewed as indicative of things to come for the 2023-24 campaign.

McGowens closed Tuesday's 137-134 win over Oklahoma City with 11 points (4-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 0-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 24 minutes.

McGowens drew his second start of the season with Gordon Hayward (thumb), Kelly Oubre (shoulder), Terry Rozier (foot) and Dennis Smith (toe) all ruled out. The rookie second-round pick's 11 points were one shy of his career high, and he also tied his season high with two steals. When any of the aforementioned injured players return, McGowens' playing time will presumably take a major hit, but until then, the Nebraska product should be on fantasy radars.

McGowens will enter the starting lineup Tuesday against the Thunder.

Gordon Hayward is getting the night off due to a thumb injury. McGowens has really struggled shooting the ball in recent games, and he hasn't scored in double digits since Feb. 15.

McGowens notched eight points (2-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), one rebound, six assists and one block across 25 minutes during Thursday's 115-96 loss to the Pelicans.

With Terry Rozier (foot), Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and Dennis Smith (illness) all leaving the contest early, McGowens saw an increased role and tied his season high with six assists. When he's played at least 24 minutes (six times), the rookie second-round pick has averaged 8.0 points, 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game, and he could see a similar role moving forward if Rozier and Oubre are forced to miss extended time.

McGowens ended with nine points (2-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-5 FT), one rebound, two assists, one block and one steal over 20 minutes during Friday's 121-82 loss to the 76ers.

McGowens played at least 20 minutes for just the second time in the past 12 games, flashing some upside in the process. While it is unclear just where he fits in the Hornets' rotation beyond this season, he has shown enough to convince the coaching staff he can compete with the best on a nightly basis. While he isn't a player to add right now, managers should keep an eye on his playing time just in case the Hornets opt to hand him the keys at some point down the stretch.

McGowens racked up five points (2-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt) and two rebounds over 20 minutes during Sunday's 102-86 loss to the Nets.

McGowens logged 20 minutes in the loss, an indication that his role is continuing to develop. While his production is yet to resemble anything close to 12-team value, managers in deeper formats will want to keep an eye on things moving forward. Given the Hornets have signed him to a four-year deal, they are likely going to want to get a look at him down the stretch.

The Hornets have converted McGowens' two-way deal into a standard NBA contract, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

McGowens was playing on a two-way deal, but the Hornets have seen enough to sign him to a standard NBA contract, and he is now playing on a four-year, $7.4 million deal. McGowens has made 26 appearances for the Hornets this season and is averaging 4.1 points per game, but this is clearly a move thinking toward the future of the franchise.

McGowens notched 11 points (3-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), one rebound, three assists and two steals across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 120-110 victory over the Spurs.

McGowens reached double figures for the first time since Jan. 18 and surprisingly added support on the defensive end by securing a pair of steals, marking his sixth and seventh steals of the campaign through 26 games. The 20-year-old saw an uptick in playing time Wednesday with both Terry Rozier (hand) and Cody Martin (knee) sidelined, and he could continue to shoulder this type of workload until the team shakes the injury bug.

McGowens will not start in Thursday's game against Chicago.

McGowens appeared in the starting lineup for the first time in his career Tuesday with LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (hamstring) absent and managed five points, four rebounds and three assists over 22 minutes. However, with the pair healthy Thursday, McGowens will be relegated to his usual bench role.

McGowens is starting Tuesday's game against the Suns.

McGowens will get a chance with the first unit with both LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (hamstring) ruled out for Tuesday's clash. This marks the first start of McGowens' NBA career.

McGowens finished with 10 points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and three assists across 21 minutes in Wednesday's 122-117 win over Houston.

With Cody Martin (knee), Gordon Hayward (hamstring) and Kelly Oubre (hand) sidelined and with LaMelo Ball (ankle) exiting early, McGowens took on an elevated role in the second unit after he had only recently re-entered head coach Steve Clifford's rotation. The Hornets are still evaluating the statuses of Martin and Hayward on a game-by-game basis, but Oubre remains sidelined for the foreseeable future, and after spraining his left ankle for a third time this season, Ball could also be headed for a multi-game absence. McGowens thus looks like he'll have an opportunity to see some consistent playing time off the bench, though likely not enough run to make him a useful fantasy option outside of deeper leagues.

McGowens was transferred from the G League's Greensboro Swarm to the Hornets on Saturday.

McGowens headed to the G League earlier Saturday, but he'll rejoin the parent club and will be available for Saturday's matchup against Brooklyn. He's averaging 4.1 points in 14.3 minutes per game with the Hornets this year.

McGowens was assigned to the Hornets affiliate Greensboro Swarm ahead of the G League showcase.

McGowens will join the Swarm and be available for their opening game Monday against Sioux Falls in the showcase. He will likely take on a key role within the Greensboro offense given his diverse offensive skillset and NBA experience this season.

McGowens was dropped from the Hornets' rotation for Wednesday's 141-134 overtime loss to the Pistons.

The rookie out of Nebraska had worked his way into a regular role over the last two weeks, logging double-digit minutes in seven straight games from Nov. 28 to Dec. 11. However, with LaMelo Ball (ankle) making his return to action Wednesday, McGowens was the odd man out in the Hornets' backcourt. While the second-rounder was never much of a fantasy consideration in standard leagues, he may be a name worth keeping a cursory eye on in deeper formats.

McGowens finished with 10 points (3-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds and one assist across 30 minutes during Friday's 121-102 loss to the Knicks.

The news was both good and bad for McGowens in the big loss. On one hand, he reached the 10-point mark for just the third time this season and recorded a career-high five rebounds. On the other, he shot just 3-for-9 from the field and logged a team-worst negative-21 plus/minus. McGowens has been consistently receiving around 20 minutes per game of late, but his output is far from enough to make him a fantasy consideration.

McGowens ended Friday's 117-116 win over the Wizards with four points (1-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one block across 20 minutes.

McGowens saw big minutes off the bench again in his second game back after spending some time in the G-league. He didn't produce a ton on Friday night, but with Terry Rozier's return from illness, it was James Bouknight who completely fell out of the rotation rather than McGowens. With Charlotte still dealing with multiple injured players in the backcourt, these minutes could continue for the 20-year-old out of Nebraska but only fantasy managers in the deepest of leagues should consider monitoring this situation.

Charlotte transferred McGowens back from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Tuesday.

McGowens dropped 22 points in 40 minutes during Monday's loss to Capital City and has returned to the NBA squad Tuesday. The rookie second-round pick hasn't seen the floor for Charlotte since scoring 12 points in 17 minutes during a Nov. 4 blowout loss to Memphis.

Charlotte transferred McGowens back from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Tuesday.

McGowens will likely be available for Wednesday's matchup against Indiana after a stint in the G League. The rookie second-round pick has made five appearances for Charlotte, totaling 16 points in 30 minutes.

McGowens was transferred back to the G League Swarm on Thursday.

McGowens was recalled ahead of last Friday's game versus the Grizzlies and posted 12 points over 17 minutes in the contest. He's on a two-way deal with Charlotte this season, so he could see a fair bit of movement between the two levels.

The Hornets transferred McGowens from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Friday.

McGowens will be available for Friday's game against Memphis after rejoining the parent squad. The rookie has played sparingly in his four appearances this season, but he could see a slight bump in minutes Friday with Terry Rozier (ankle) and Cody Martin (quad) unlikely to play and LaMelo Ball (ankle) still out.

McGowens notched no counting stats in one minute during Wednesday's 134-131 overtime loss to the Knicks.

Although the Knicks and Hornets went to overtime Wednesday, McGowens still saw minimal playing time during the loss. The 19-year-old joined Charlotte on a two-way deal in August, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him land in the G League at some point given his lack of usage with the parent club.

McGowens and the Hornets agreed to a two-way contract in July, Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

McGowens was drafted No. 40 overall by the Hornets over the summer. During his five Summer League appearances, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 30.8 minutes. On a two-way deal, he'll spend time in both the G League and NBA.