Hornets center Al Jefferson (groin) out at least four weeks
Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson will miss at least four weeks with a strained adductor muscle in his groin, the team announced on Tuesday.
Jefferson, 29, left Monday night's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with the injury and did not return. He has been battling the injury for the past couple weeks.
In his second season in Charlotte, Jefferson is averaging 18.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets and Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He could return for Saturday's matchup with the Orlando Magic.
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Backup center Bismack Biyombo is expected to start in Jefferson's place and the team could also recall first-round pick Noah Vonleh from Fort Wayne of the D-League for added depth up front.
Jefferson has been starting alongside 2013 first-round pick Cody Zeller. Marvin Williams signed a two-year, $14 million deal to replace Josh McRoberts in the starting lineup was moved to the bench midway through the season.
After making the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last season, the Hornets have struggled this year and are in last place in the Southeast Division at 10-22.
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- Paul Palladino
