Hornets' Al Jefferson limited by sore right knee in loss to Bulls

Al Jefferson, noticeably absent during the second half of Monday's loss to the Chicago Bulls, was bothered by a sore right knee, the team announced after the contest.

Jefferson, who scored five points in 20 minutes, didn't play at all during the second half.

The news is somewhat concerning for the playoff-hopeful Hornets, but the team doesn't think the injury is of major concern at this point. Jefferson was recently diagnosed with a right knee sprain, but returned after missing just one game. He also missed a chunk of time earlier in the season with a groin injury.

Charlotte has a huge game versus the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Both teams, currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, are entangled in a five-team race for the final two spots in the Eastern Conference.

Jefferson is averaging 17.2 points and a team-leading 8.7 rebounds.