Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Plus, injury updates and news.

The Thunder will be without a couple of key starters. Jalen Williams (hip strain) is out. Lu Dort (hip impingement) is out. Cason Wallace (shoulder strain) is questionable. Ousmane Dieng (calf strain) is out. Ajay Mitchell (toe sprain) is out. Nikola Topic (torn ACL) is out.

Things don't sound like they will improve for the Hornets, at least against the Thunder Friday night, as the team announced LaMelo Ball would miss the game managing his right ankle injury. Center Mark Williams, who was almost traded to the Los Angeles Lakers before a failed physical, will also miss the game with a left foot injury.