Hornets' Batum ruled out for Game 4 vs. Heat

The Charlotte Hornets will be without swingman Nicolas Batum for the second consecutive game Monday, as they try to level their first-round series with the Miami Heat.

Batum was forced from Game 2 with a left ankle sprain that teammates described as "pretty bad."

The injury was reportedly expected to sideline him for the remainder of the series, but he expressed optimism Sunday that he'd still be able to suit up for Game 4.

"I am doing everything I can to be back as soon as possible," he said.

The absence of Batum - who was arguably the Hornets' best and most consistent player throughout the season - forced head coach Steve Clifford to experiment, beginning with his decision to start three bigs.

It proved successful in Game 3, as the Hornets picked up their first win of the series, and their first playoff win since expansion brought a team back to Charlotte in 2004 (they were previously 0-10). Clifford said his starting lineup will remain the same Monday.

"Obviously we proved we have more than enough to win," Clifford said. We'll have to play well. We wish we had him. But the biggest thing is to play well. We've have to be locked in."

Batum averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and two assists in the first two games of the series.