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0 The Charlotte Hornets finally caught a break on Friday night, as forward Miles Bridges made his much-anticipated return to the lineup in a game against the Chicago Bulls. After missing 10 games due to a bruised right knee, Bridges’ return couldn’t have come at a better time for a team desperately seeking stability.
Bridges, standing at 6-foot-7, had been sidelined since November 19 in a loss to Brooklyn. Despite the setback, his contributions earlier in the season were pivotal. In 2025, Bridges has been averaging an impressive 16.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He’s shooting 47.2% from the field and knocking down 35.6% of his shots from beyond the arc, proving to be a key offensive weapon for the Hornets. His ability to create opportunities and battle on the boards has been sorely missed during Charlotte’s recent struggles.
The Hornets also welcomed back rookie forward Tidjane Salaun, who had been sidelined for two games with a sprained left ankle. Salaun, the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, has shown flashes of potential and adds energy to a lineup that’s been in dire need of reinforcements.
Coming into Friday’s matchup, the Hornets had lost 12 of their last 15 games. Their eight-game losing streak was snapped with a much-needed victory over Indianapolis last Sunday, but the road to recovery is still steep. Head coach Charles Lee was optimistic about what the returns of Bridges and Salaun mean for the team moving forward.
“Getting these guys back gives us more depth and versatility,” Lee said. “We’ve been competing, no excuses, but having Miles and Tidjane in the lineup raises our competitiveness even more. Offensively, they create better shot opportunities by attacking the paint and forcing defenses to adjust.”
Bridges’ presence on the court offers the Hornets much more than just stats. His ability to create mismatches with his combination of size, skill, and athleticism adds another dimension to the team’s offense. Meanwhile, Salaun’s high-energy playstyle and defensive upside provide the Hornets with an extra layer of flexibility in the rotation.
With Bridges and Salaun back, the Hornets are hoping to find consistency and build momentum as they look to climb out of their current slump. For now, their focus is on getting healthier, improving their chemistry, and finding ways to turn a frustrating season around.
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