Through their Basketball Without Borders campaign, the NBA is set to hold the NBA Africa Game on Friday night.

In light of that, Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard Kemba Walker has been medically cleared to play in the game, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

https://twitter.com/rick_bonnell/status/893160959090593794

The expectation was that Walker would not play in the exhibition game this month due to precautionary measures following surgery in May on his left knee.

Article Continues Below
More Charlotte Hornets News
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) and forward Brandon Miller (24) at mid court against the Miami Heat during the second half at Spectrum Center.
RUMOR: Insider speculates on bombshell Hornets trades to build around LaMelo BallAlex House ·
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets rumors: The ‘favorite’ at No. 4 to be next LaMelo Ball co-starJoey Mistretta ·
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) controls the ball as he is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
NBA rumors: Lonzo Ball isn’t only 1 who wants to see LaMelo Ball trade to ClippersScotty White ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) passes the ball away from Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Ranking 3 best VJ Edgecombe destinations in 2025 NBA DraftSpencer See ·

He had been originally named last month as one of the four captains for the game, alongside former All-Star big Dirk Nowitzki for Team World, while Thabo Sefolosha and Luol Deng will both hold those spots for Team Africa.

Although Walker has received clearance to play, he may elect to sit out to avoid any setbacks with his knee prior to the start of the season. He is still expected to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the game on August 5th.

The 27-year-old is coming off his best individual season, averaging a career-high 23.2 points, 5.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, helping him earn the first All-Star Game selection of his career. It includes 240 made three-pointers, which is the second-highest single season total in franchise history, making him one of seven players in league history to hit that mark on better than 39.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc.