Batum will 'most likely' play in Game 5

Things are really starting to look up for the Charlotte Hornets.

Having fallen down 0-2 to the Miami Heat, the Hornets clawed back to even the series on their home court, and now have a pivotal player returning to the fold.

After sustaining what looked to be a season-ending ankle injury earlier in the series, Hornets swingman Nic Batum was able to go through shootaround on Wednesday and will most likely suit up for Game 5.

Reports suggested Batum would be out for the remainder of the first round, but the Frenchman promised to do everything within his power to return as quickly as possible.

Nevertheless, even in his absence for Games 3 and 4, the shorthanded Hornets were able to rally. Without Batum in the lineup, they opted to put out as much size on the floor as possible, which allowed them to ride a decided advantage in the paint for back-to-back victories.

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