Jefferson, 2 other Hornets starters out vs. 76ers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Hornets coach Steve Clifford says center Al Jefferson and two other starters will not play Saturday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Forwards Cody Zeller (sore right shoulder) and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (sprained left ankle) are also out.

Jefferson has been struggling with right knee inflammation for the last month and had it drained three times in the last two weeks. He's tried to play through the pain, and this will be first game he has missed during that span.

He did not play in the second half of Charlotte's loss Friday night at Indiana because of knee soreness.

Clifford says it's too soon to know if Jefferson will play again this season.

The Hornets enter Saturday night two games behind Miami for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.