Charlotte Hornets Injury Update: PJ Washington is likely to return from injury

With the Charlotte Hornets concluding their Christmas break, they may be getting a late Christmas present with the return of rookie PJ Washington.

For the past five games, the Charlotte Hornets have been without their rookie lottery pick, PJ Washington. With good news coming out on Thursday, the Hornets may be able to get Washington back on Friday.

Washington has missed the past five games due to a fractured finger. Washington reported that this injury was picked up after Miles Bridges through the ball to him out of frustration after Bridges picked up an inbound violation.

On Thursday, Charlotte Hornets PR reported that Washington is probable to return against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. While this report lists Washington as probable, his return is still not certain. PJ Washington has been a stellar rookie for the Hornets this season by averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Washington has also started in all 28 games that he’s played in.

If Washington does return, his return to the starting lineup may not happen soon. When players typically come back from injury, they start slow by coming off the bench. Cody Zeller was one of the Hornets’ first original starters who was moved to the bench after being injured.

While Washington has been out, the Hornets have had Cody Zeller and Miles Bridges play the power forward position. During Washington’s absence, the Hornets have gone 1-4 in their past five games.

Washington’s return would surely help the team, as Coach James Borrego could finally go back to one of his previous rotations. If Washington does play on Friday, it would be shocking if he’s instantly inserted back into the starting lineup.