Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets absorbed a 108-99 road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, but that defeat might not be the most concerning thing to happen to the team tonight.

According to the official Twitter account of the Hornets’ public relations department, Walker sustained a neck injury late in the Bucks game.

It’s a frustrating development for Walker and the Hornets, especially since it happened just a day after the former UConn Huskies star was voted in as a starter for the 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte. Walker picked up the injury during a chaotic sequence that had a number of players going for a loose ball, per NBA.com.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Stephen Curry Olympics dagger against France
Clippers’ Nic Batum drops eye-opening take on Stephen Curry’s Olympic heroicsAlex House ·
Adam Silver, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton
Adam Silver fires back at NBA ratings discussions from fansTomer Azarly ·
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reaches for the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Pacers-Thunder Game 1 hits record low in views for FinalsZachary Draves ·
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver walk through the audience during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place.
6 NBA teams that never drafted with the first overall pickSpencer See ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Sep 24, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings minority owner Shaquille O'Neal talks to the media after the press conference at Kings Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Shaq’s ex-nemesis shows up at Game 1Zachary Draves ·

Walker was injured in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, during a scramble for a loose ball. Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's attempt near the rim, and Walker and Eric Bledsoe dove to gain possession, with Antetokounmpo and Kidd-Gilchrist entering the fray.

Walker and Antetokounmpo collided, and the Bucks forward then rolled over Walker, who remained on the ground holding his neck until being examined by a trainer.

The extent of Walker’s injury remains uncertain, but if he’s going to need to miss time to recover, Tony Parker, Devonte’ Graham, Jeremy Lamb, and Malik Monk are all likely to get upticks in their usage. Walker scored just 10 points on a salty 3-for-12 shooting from the field in 35 minutes of action against Milwaukee.

Walker, who is on course to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, is averaging 25.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game so far this season.