Hornets' Biyombo returns from 6-week absence Sunday

The Charlotte Hornets are hanging around in the Eastern Conference playoff chase, currently just a half-game out of eighth, and they could be ready to make a big move down the stretch once Kemba Walker returns from a torn meniscus.

For now, getting center Bismack Biyombo back from a bone bruise in his right knee - which has sidelined him since Jan. 24 - is a good start. Biyombo returned from his six-week hiatus when the Hornets took on the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.

Biyombo doesn't make flashy plays or put up gaudy stats, but he's the Hornets' best post defender and rim protector by far. Opponents shoot just 51.2 percent in the restricted area against him, the fourth-best mark among qualified centers, and the Hornets' defensive rating when he's on the floor (96.5) would be the best mark in the league. 

Overall, the Hornets are 10.1 points per 100 possessions better when Biyombo is on the floor. They're 9-4 in games he's started, and 14-29 in games he hasn't. 

His return may not be as anticipated and celebrated as Walker's (eventually) will be, but it's arguably no less important.