Valanciunas returns for Raptors vs. Hornets

The Toronto Raptors will have at least one regular back in action Saturday night, as they try to snap out of a long-running funk in Charlotte.

Center Jonas Valanciunas will be back in the starting lineup against the Hornets after missing the last two games with a left knee contusion. In five games before the injury, Valanciunas averaged 13.8 points and 11 rebounds.

Though the Raptors' offense rebounded Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they noticeably struggled without him in Sunday's loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Terrence Ross, who missed Wednesday's game with a finger injury, will also be available off the bench.

The Hornets, meanwhile, are also getting their center back, but will be without swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist due to a lower back injury.

The Raptors have lost nine of their last 10 games in Charlotte.