Injury Report: Jazz rookie Ace Bailey ruled out vs. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets won't have to play against the most talked-about draft prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Ace Bailey stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets will be playing their first Summer League game of 2025 on Friday night, meaning that the debuts of Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley will happen.

Charlotte will be taking on the Utah Jazz, who have some young players looking to play well to earn rotation spots as well. Much of the NBA was heavily anticipating the Hornets' matchup with Ace Bailey, who is coming off a strong showing in the Salt Lake City Summer League.

Unfortunately, fans will be disappointed as Bailey will miss tonight's game because of right hip flexor soreness.

The @utahjazz injury report:

OUT - Ace Bailey (right hip flexor soreness)

OUT - RJ Luis Jr (left knee soreness)

OUT - John Tonje (right ankle sprain)

Certainly saps some excitement out of this one.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 11, 2025

Bailey is perhaps the most-talked-about draft prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft after his odd pre-draft behavior. He was the only prospect who didn't participate in any pre-draft workouts.

It was pretty clear that Bailey was not happy to be taken by Utah. He did not want to be drafted by the Jazz, but Danny Ainge decided to take Bailey anyway because of his talent. Charlotte could have selected the former Rutgers star, but opted to pass on him to take the guy with the safer floor in Knueppel.

The Hornets, will however, have to deal with another first-round pick in Walter Clayton Jr.

Charlotte and Utah will get things started at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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