Hornets' Al Jefferson (groin) returning Monday vs. Timberwolves
Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson will return from a groin injury on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team announced.
Head coach Steve Clifford said he will limit Jefferson to 14 to 16 minutes of action.
Jefferson has sat out Charlotte's last nine games since re-aggravating the injury in December. In 32 games this season, he has averaged 18.0 points and 8.2 rebounds, down from last season's averages of 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds.
Bismack Biyombo has started in Jefferson's place and averaged 6.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. The Hornets have gone 6-3 during Jefferson's absence.
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Hornets point guard Kemba Walker will miss his second straight game with a knee injury. Walker's knee injury comes after a six-game stretch that saw him average 29.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Charlotte is 16-25 on the season and tied with the Detroit Pistons for the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference. They are one game behind the Brooklyn Nets for the final playoff spot.
The Hornets host the Timberwolves at 2 p.m. ET on Monday.
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- Paul Palladino
