Rib Cartilage Fracture Keeps Hornets’ Nick Richards Out Indefinitely

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards is out for at least two weeks due to a right first rib cartilage fracture he suffered during an on-court collision with the Celtics. This injury is a significant blow to the team, especially since center Mark Williams is still recovering from a strained tendon in his left foot.

Richards was having a great start to the season, averaging career-highs in points (11.0), rebounds (10.0), and blocks (2.4) through five starts. His absence will be felt, but Moussa Diabate’s role is expected to expand, and the Hornets will likely use smaller lineups with forwards Grant Williams and Taj Gibson manning the middle.

The team will evaluate Richards’ progress every other week to determine when he can return to basketball activities, with the next update on his status scheduled for after the Hornets’ November 17 road trip.