Nick Richards sideline for few weeks due to injury

After receiving a diagnosis of a right first rib cartilage fracture beneath his collarbone, centre Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets is anticipated to miss at least two weeks of action. The team stated that he would be reevaluated every other week, but they did not provide a specific timeline for his comeback. His status will be updated after the team's road trip on November 17. 

At least seven games will be missed by him. On November 1, during the first half of the game against the Boston Celtics, Richards was hurt in an on-court incident. Since regular starter Mark Williams has missed this season due to injury, the Hornets are already shorthanded at the centre.

Throughout five seasons, the 7-foot Richards has averaged 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 205 games. Richards has made five appearances so far this season and averaged career-highs of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. This season, Richards' fifth with the Hornets, has averaged a career-high 11 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Charlotte Hornets will play the Detroit Pistons

He signed a $15 million, three-year contract with the team in the fall, and he is currently in the second year. Instead of regular centre Mark Williams, who has not yet returned to action due to a foot ailment, Richards has been starting this season. This season, Richards has been among the NBA's top centres statistically, averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per contest. Spurts require the addition of a great big man, and the Hornets will need to decide how to proceed because of Williams and Richards' uncertainty.

With a 2-5 record thus far this season, the Charlotte Hornets have dropped three straight games, including consecutive defeats against the Celtics. For the eighth consecutive year, the Hornets missed the playoffs after finishing just 21-61 in the previous campaign. The team's head coach, Steve Clifford, was replaced by Lee during the offseason. The Hornets' next game is Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.