Hornets' Nicolas Batum: Cleared to play Monday

Batum (eye) has been cleared to play for Monday's game against the Grizzlies, Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis:

Batum was held out of Saturday's game against the Knicks because of an eye abrasion, but the extra day off provided adequate recovery time. He'll jump back into the starting lineup at shooting guard Monday, which means Jeremy Lamb will have to settle for a more reduced role off the bench after exploding for 18 points and 17 rebounds in Saturday's spot start. Batum isn't expected to face any restrictions heading into Monday's contest, but the Hornets could still limit him anyway since it will be the front end of a back-to-back set.