Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards is expected to be out for at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a right first rib cartilage fracture just below his clavicle.
The team has not given a specific date for his return but mentioned he will be reevaluated every two weeks. The next update on his condition will come after the Hornets’ road trip on Nov. 17. He will miss at least seven games.
Richards suffered the injury during a collision on the court in the first half of the game against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 1.
The Hornets are already short-handed at the center position since their regular starter, Mark Williams, has not played this season due to an injury.
The 7-foot Richards has played in 205 games over five seasons, averaging 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks. This season, he is posting career highs with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in his first five games.
