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Charlotte Hornets: Nic Batum to miss 2-3 months with elbow injury

By Michael Saenz

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 11: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center on March 11, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 11: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center on March 11, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: Charlotte Hornets forward Nic Batum is expected to miss 2-3 months after suffering an elbow injury in a preseason game

After missing the playoffs last season, the Charlotte Hornets were hoping to get back on track entering the 2017-18 season.

With a weakening Eastern Conference, coupled with the addition of Dwight Howard in the offseason, the table was set for the now healthy Hornets to reclaim their position as a playoff team in the East.

That lasted all but one week into the preseason.

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After sustaining an injury against the Detroit Pistons Wednesday, it was announced that Nic Batum would miss 8-12 weeks with a torn ligament in his left elbow. That means that Batum could return to the court anywhere between the beginning of December and into January.

Bad news.

"[via Yahoo Sports]Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum has a torn ligament in his left elbow and is expected to miss eight-to-12 weeks, league sources told The Vertical.Batum suffered the injury in the Hornets’ preseason game on Wednesday night and had tests Thursday that confirmed the tear in the elbow. Batum is expected to receive second opinions soon to determine whether he will undergo surgery, league sources said."

For the last few years, Batum has been a key cog to the Hornets resurgence. He, along with Kemba Walker, have been at the center of the Hornets success. Missing Batum for 2-3 months could be the difference from the Hornets getting off to a much needed hot start to them limping their way out of the starting gate.

The 6-foot-8 Batum averaged 15 points, six boards and six helpers last season for the Hornets. He’s also one of their better perimeter forwards.

Must Read: NBA: Ranking every starting lineup heading into 2017-18

In his absence, the Hornets are likely going to one of Malik Monk, the team’s rookie, or Jeremy Lamb to take a bigger role in the offense. Problem is, Monk might not be ready for that type of role at the beginning of the season and Lamb, while serviceable, hasn’t proven the capability to be a reliable starter.

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