Mason Plumlee

Kalkbrenner injured his ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks and exited in the fourth quarter. Moussa Diabate was the starting center in that contest, and he could retain the role on Friday, even if Kalkbrenner is available. If Kalkbrenner does not play, there may be times when the Hornets go small and give Tidjane Salaun a few more minutes off the bench, leaving Mason Plumlee out of the rotation entirely.

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.

Kalkbrenner did not play in Sunday's loss to the Hawks, with Mason Plumlee replacing him in the starting lineup. Moussa Diabate will also have a lower fantasy ceiling since Kalkbrenner is back in the starting five.

The Hornets are down three starters for Sunday's game, as LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Ryan Kalkbrenner have been ruled out. Sexton, James and Plumlee move into the starting lineup, with the latter making his first start of the season. That's surprising, but Moussa Diabate may still play more minutes despite coming off the bench.

Kalkbrenner is officially out for Sunday's game after spraining his left ankle on Saturday. Moussa Diabate is worth streaming as the rookie's replacement in the starting lineup. Mason Plumlee will take on the backup role, but he's unlikely to provide enough value to merit rostering.