Moussa

Diabaté

After a 2025-26 season in which he won the NBA’s Hustle Award, Diabaté stands to be one of the biggest bargains in basketball next season. His contract for next season is worth just over $2.46 million, a low amount for a player who emerged as the Hornets’ starting center in 2025-26. A starter in 47 of the 73 games he played, Diabaté averaged 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks in 26.0 minutes. If he holds onto the starting center role, with Ryan Kalkbrenner standing to be the main competition for that role, Diabaté can offer late-round value to managers targeting rebounds and blocks.

Diabaté’s return supplies the Hornets with their starting center, one who brings energy and activity on the glass. He started 47 of 73 games for Charlotte during the regular season and posted 14 rebounds in the first Play-In Tournament win over the Heat. He’ll be on double-double watch vs. the Magic.

Diabaté, who finished Tuesday’s overtime win over the Heat with eight points, 14 rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 36 minutes, is dealing with a sore left hip. If he’s unable to play on Friday, the Hornets would turn to Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams to fill the resulting void.

After missing Friday’s win over the Pacers, Diabaté is back and will assume his usual duties as the Hornets’ starting center. Ryan Kalkbrenner will head to the bench, which limits his fantasy value.

Diabaté missed Friday’s win over the Pacers, but was listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves, so his availability isn’t a surprise. Ryan Kalkbrenner will head back to the bench as Diabaté returns to the starting lineup.

Diabaté did not play in Friday’s win over the Pacers, prompting Ryan Kalkbrenner to make his first start since February 22. With the Hornets’ usual starting center on track to play, Kalkbrenner will head to the bench, limiting his fantasy value.

With Moussa Diabaté out with a sore ankle, Kalkbrenner made his first start since February 22 on Friday. He didn’t offer a great deal as a scorer, but the rebounds and blocks are what most fantasy managers rostering the rookie center are looking for. If Diabaté remains out for Sunday’s game in Minnesota, another start will be in the cards for Kalkbrenner.

Diabaté will miss Friday’s game with a sore left ankle, likely meaning that Ryan Kalkbrenner will start. Taking on that role would raise the rookie’s fantasy ceiling, especially in what appears to be a favorable matchup for the Hornets.

Diabaté is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it could cost him a game against Indiana. If the big man is ultimately sidelined, Ryan Kalkbrenner would likely replace him in the starting five. If Kalkbrenner starts, he’ll be worth streaming in a favorable matchup with the Pacers.

After a quiet performance in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics, Diabaté bounced back with his fourth double-double in his last six appearances. Diabaté continues to be a pivotal piece for Charlotte, which has led to some strong performances throughout the season, though they have come inconsistently. They’ll need him at his best entering the postseason, and he’ll look to have another double-double against the Suns on Thursday.