Hornets' Frank Kaminsky: Shines Thursday in spot start

Kaminsky started at power forward and produced 16 points (6-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and six rebounds over 33 minutes in Thursday's 96-88 preseason win over the Heat.

Analysis:

Kaminsky has hit double digits in the scoring column in all six of the Hornets' preseason games, but circumstances have certainly worked in his favor, as the team has been missing or resting one or more key rotation players in all of those contests, thereby opening up more playing time and shot attempts. The second-year big man's appointment to the starting five Thursday came at the expense of Marvin Williams, who was diagnosed earlier in the week with a fractured finger. Kaminsky figures to get another turn on the top unit in Friday's preseason finale against the Timberwolves with Williams already ruled out, but the latter's status for the Oct. 26 regular-season opener won't be known until he's reeavluated a day beforehand. If Williams' injury is determined to require a multi-week recovery timetable, Kaminsky would gain a decent short-term boost in fantasy value, but his stock would take a hit once Williams is healthy again.