The Charlotte Hornets are looking to start their season strong after making some offseason moves aimed at improving now. Unfortunately, they'll be doing so without the services of a couple of their young stars on opening night of the NBA.

Kon Knueppel and Coby White are both dealing with lower body injuries as the Hornets prepare to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Knueppel is currently nursing a left hamstring strain suffered early in the preseason while White is currently recovering from a left calf strain.

Neither player was expected to be available for opening night, and the Hornets are doing everything they can to have both players for the remainder of the season. Grant Williams is the third Hornets player that will miss opening night as he deals with a right hamstring strain.

Kon Knueppel was impressive in his rookie season, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists whiel shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from three. Knueppel also finished as the all-time leader in three-pointers made for a rookie in an entire season.

Coby White played well after arriving to Charlotte via a trade with the Chicago Bulls, and was expected to take on a significant role with LaMelo Ball traded to the Minnesota to join Anthony Edwards.

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In 29 appearances with the Hornets last year, White averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while also shooting.

Charlotte is hopeful to have a strong year with a playoff berth after trading away LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, acquiring Naz Reid, Dennis Schroder, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale in the process.