Hornets' Hibbert returns vs. Raptors; Kidd-Gilchrist out

Charlotte Hornets small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will not play in Friday night's contest against the Toronto Raptors due to a lower back strain, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

Roy Hibbert will return to the Hornets' lineup after missing the past five games with a knee injury.

Kidd-Gilchrist played in Wednesday's contest versus the Utah Jazz after injuring his back Monday, but recorded just two points on 0-of-5 shooting in 33 minutes. The 23-year-old is averaging 11 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks on 46.4 percent shooting.

Hibbert has appeared in just two games with Charlotte since coming over this offseason, averaging 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks on 60 percent shooting.

Charlotte (6-1) is in the midst of a four-game winning steak and look to continue their run against a Raptors team that sits fourth in the Eastern Conference.