The 42nd overall pick out of Colorado, Simpson has been solid over the previous few weeks for the Hornets. Since February 4th, the rookie has averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 42.6% from the field and 33.3% from three.

Friday's matchup has draft lottery implications, as the Hornets are four games behind the Wizards for the NBA's worst record. Washington has lost seven of its last eight games following a three-game win streak in early February.

As the Philadelphia 76ers are currently grouped with the Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference, they land in a category of teams who continue to struggle

Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball played an integral role in Wednesday night's win at the Los Angeles Lakers but will sit out Thursday's game at the Denver Nuggets with left ankle soreness.

Find out if the Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is playing against the Los Angeles Lakers for their Wednesday matchup.

For the game, they could be without their best player, as LaMelo Ball is on the injury report. The 2022 NBA All-Star has missed the team's last two games, so this would be his third straight out of action (if he doesn't play).