Why Brandon Miller isn't playing vs. Heat and when he could return for Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets will aim to improve to 3-1 when they face the Miami Heat on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, though they'll be without one of their best players. 

Brandon Miller sustained a left shoulder subluxation in Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and will miss his second consecutive game Tuesday. Hornets PR announced Monday that Miller will be re-evaluated when the team returns to Charlotte on Oct. 29. He'll join Grant Williams and Josh Green on the sidelines Tuesday, while Tre Mann is listed as questionable due to a jaw contusion. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a shoulder subluxation occurs when “your shoulder moves past the normal location on the socket but is not completely out of place,” essentially a partial dislocation. Recovery time varies depending on severity, though serious structural damage could sideline a player for months. 

MORE: Charlotte's playoff-starved veterans set tone for 2025-26

NBA insider offers new Brandon Miller update

NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed Tuesday that Miller is seeking a second opinion following the shoulder injury. While nothing is set in stone, surgery isn't off the table if the subluxation is serious enough. 

“I don't want to speculate, but whenever you’re getting a second and third opinion, that doesn't always fare well for your status moving forward,” he said. 

Sources: Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller seeking a second opinion on injured shoulder. The Association on @NBATV with the details. pic.twitter.com/ihAi6JNqFQ

For now, the Hornets will rely heavily on LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Collin Sexton to lead the team. Several young players — including Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Liam McNeeley and second-year forward Tidjane Salaun — could see increased playing time with Miller sidelined.

Meanwhile, Hornets fans will have to wait until at least Wednesday for an updated timetable on Miller's return.

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