Further testing reveals knee sprain for Hornets' Jefferson

Al Jefferson underwent further testing on his leg and was subsequently diagnosed with a right knee sprain, a day after an MRI revealed no structural damage.

He won't play Friday versus the Chicago Bulls and is considered day-to-day. The team hopes Jefferson can return quickly and be in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz, according to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.

Jefferson, who was injured in Wednesday's loss to the Sacramento Kings, originally thought he suffered a calf injury. He said he felt a pop in the leg and was bracing for a much worse diagnosis.

The 30-year-old, who's averaging 17.2 points and a team-leading 8.8 rebounds in 54 games, missed nine contests earlier in the season with a groin injury.

Charlotte, losers of two straight, enters Friday a half-game behind the Miami Heat for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.