CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Hornets center Nick Richards will be out for at least a few more weeks with a fractured rib, the team announced Tuesday.
The injury occurred from a collision in the first half of the Nov. 1 game against the Celtics. An MRI revealed the 7-footer has a right first-rib cartilage fracture, underneath his clavicle.
The fifth-year veteran will be listed as out against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 6 and will be evaluated on an every-other-week basis with the next update on his status expected following the team’s Nov. 17 road trip.
The Hornets are short-handed at the center position, with starter Mark Williams also out since the preseason with a foot injury. Veteran Taj Gibson started Monday night against the Timberwolves.
The Hornets are 0-3 since Richards exited the Nov. 1 game with the injury.
Richards was averaging career-highs in points (11.0), rebounds (10.0) and blocks (2.4) through his first five appearances this season.