Cody Zeller (ankle) has been cleared to play Monday against the Kings.

Zeller (ankle) has been cleared to play Monday against the Kings.

Analysis:

Zeller missed the Hornets' previous game Friday against the 76ers due to the left ankle strain, but was able to get back on the court for Sunday's practice. After he completed Monday's morning shootaround without any setbacks, the Hornets felt comfortable signing off on Zeller's return to the court. Prior to going down with the injury, Zeller had started back-to-back games for the Hornets, but he'll likely head back to a bench role now that P.J. Hairston (quadriceps) has been cleared to return. Additionally, rookie Frank Kaminsky has been making a case for more frontcourt minutes of late, so it's possible that Zeller sees a downturn in his playing time off the bench upon his return.