Hornets' Jefferson to return from knee sprain
Al Jefferson only needed one game to recover from a right knee sprain.
The Charlotte Hornets big man will return to the lineup and start Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz.
With Jefferson avoiding significant time on the shelf, and Kemba Walker recently returned from knee surgery, the Hornets are close to full strength as they look to secure one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte enters the night clinging to eighth place, with both the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics just a half-game behind.
Jefferson missed Friday's victory over the Chicago Bulls after suffering the knee injury in a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. He left the game after feeling what he described as a pop in his right calf.
A groin injury earlier in the season forced him to miss nine games.
Jefferson's averaging 17.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 54 contests.