The Charlotte Hornets have clinched a playoff spot, so at this point, it is all about positioning. With four games left, the Hornets are in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, but they are just one game out of being the three seed.
Of far more concern to the Hornets than seeding, though, is the health of Nicolas Batum. Batum injured his knee in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week and did not play in the second half of that game. Batum was largely missed against Cleveland and hasn't played since hurting his knee, so there is some concern there among fans.
Head coach Steve Clifford wasn't all that concerned when the injury happened, though, as he said that the injury was not serious and he didn't expect Batum to be out long-term. Before each of the Hornets' last two games, Batum was listed as questionable before being ruled out right before the game started.
The specific injury Batum is dealing with is a right knee strain. The fact that Batum was ruled out so close to tip off of each game is likely a good sign for the Hornets. Charlotte is likely just being extra cautious with their star forward to ensure that he is 100 percent healthy when the playoffs begin.
The Hornets need Batum 100 percent desperately if they are going to make any noise in the playoffs. In his first season with the team, the Frenchman is having a career year, averaging a career high in points (15.2) and assists (5.8) per game while also adding 6.2 rebounds and shooting 35 percent from three. Batum does a little bit of everything for the Hornets, including playing solid perimeter defense, and is a big reason why they have played so well recently. With the playoffs approaching fast, the Hornets are doing the right thing by taking precaution and not bringing him back until he is definitely ready.
The 27-year-old forward also happens to be in the final year of his current deal and will become a free agent this summer. The Hornets traded for Batum this past offseason with the intention of keeping him long-term, and his play hasn't changed that intention. Batum has earned himself a lot of money on his next contract, and solid play in the playoffs will only enhance that.
