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

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

For the game, they will be without their best player, as 2022 NBA All-Star LaMelo Ball has been ruled out. Ball is averaging 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 41.