Kon Knueppel

Wednesday's start will be the first for Diabate since November 14, and the lineup change raises his fantasy ceiling. His promotion comes at the expense of Ryan Kalkbrenner, who will still see solid time off the bench. However, Kalkbrenner is more valuable to fantasy managers when he's starting.

There must be something about the Knicks that doesn't agree with Knueppel, as he has struggled from three in both meetings. After missing all seven of his attempts in a November 26 loss to New York, he made one of his six attempts on Wednesday. Fantasy managers did receive solid value in the rebound and assist categories, but the rookie's field-goal percentage took a hit. The good news is that nights like Wednesday have not been the norm for Knueppel, who was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month at the beginning of the week.

Wednesday's game qualifies as Knueppel's worst as a pro. The rookie shot 0-of-7 from beyond the arc and made one shot apiece in the first and fourth quarters. The good news for fantasy managers is that nights like Wednesday have not been the norm for Knueppel, who remains the most productive rookie in this current class. He'll look to bounce back when the Hornets face the Bulls on Friday in both teams' NBA Cup finale.

Kalkbrenner (ankle) returns from a one-game absence to reclaim his spot in the Hornets' starting rotation. As a result, veteran center Mason Plumlee will head back to the bench. Likewise, Ball (ankle) is available after missing the Hornets' loss on Sunday to the Hawks. Charlotte has lost nine of its last 10 games and will look to end its current six-game losing streak.

Knueppel supplied 28 points (9-17 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one block over 34 minutes during Sunday's 113-110 loss to Atlanta.