Hornets rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner surges up NBA leaderboards despite team loss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It can be challenging to watch Charlotte Hornets games. For the most part, they're not on national television, which leaves only a few options. NBA League Pass

The Hornets lost 123-107 to the Orlando Magic Thursday, dropping to 2-3 on the season. Charlotte never held a lead against Orlando (2-4).

The next telecast will be Tuesday night’s matchup in New Orleans with the Pelicans, which tips off Charlotte’s two-game road trip.

Kon Knueppel isn’t just fitting in with the Charlotte Hornets — he’s already made NBA history. The 20-year-old rookie has started his career on a scorching shooting pace, hitting 16 three-pointers over his first four games, the most ever by any player through the first four games of an NBA career, according to league stats.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture on Tuesday night.

Charles Lee has decided that starting rookie second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner is the best way for the Hornets to win games. Offensively, he's been terrific, shooting 90 percent from the field. Defensively, it's been a challenge with him on the floor at times, facing the likes of Nic Claxton, Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo.

The Orlando Magic (1-4) travel to Spectrum Center to face the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) in NBA action on Thursday night.