Ryan

Kalkbrenner

Kalkbrenner was solid for the Hornets as a rookie, especially early on. He showcased more playmaking in this game than he did as a rookie, but he also did a lot of the things that he did as a rookie. Shot blocking, rebounding and interior shooting were all strengths for Kalkbrenner last season, and he should once again be in the center rotation for Charlotte this season alongside Moussa Diabate, Naz Reid and Hannes Steinbach.

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 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.

The Hornets are down a starter for Friday’s game, as Moussa Diabaté is out with a sore left ankle. Kalkbrenner moves into the starting five and should play plenty, as Grant Williams is also out for the Hornets.

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.

Diabaté suffered an apparent left wrist injury during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s win over the Heat and did not return. However, his name was not on the initial injury report for Thursday, indicating that he’ll take on his usual starting center responsibilities. Ryan Kalkbrenner remains in the backup role.

Kalkbrenner was scratched with an illness minutes before Wednesday’s win over the Kings. The 24-year-old is set to return Saturday against the Spurs, pushing Xavier Tillman Sr. out of the rotation after he had two points in 14 minutes as the backup center against the Kings.