Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) is tagged as doubtful to return from an absence of 11 consecutive games on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings with a lower back contusion. Williams continues to pile up doubtful designations, insinuating that his return for Charlotte is not exactly imminent. Despite the lingering absence, the 22-year-old Duke product needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues and hopes to return on Friday against the Chicago Bulls. In 12 starts without Williams this season, Nick Richards is collecting 9.4 points on 66.7% field-goal shooting, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 29.4 minutes per contest for the short-handed Hornets and remains worth rostering for a stopgap source of boards and swats.

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) won't return for Monday's meeting with the Denver Nuggets. The 22-year-old hasn't played in weeks because of a back issue. At this rate, nobody can say when he'll be back on the court. However, until then, Nick Richards will continue to handle things underneath the rim. Richards has averaged 8.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 11 starts this season. But with Terry Rozier (illness), Gordon Hayward (calf), and LaMelo Ball (ankle) out, Richards might be more productive.

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) is unlikely to return to action in Monday's meeting with Denver. He's again listed as doubtful on the injury report. A lower back contusion has kept Williams on the sidelines for 10 games, and the Hornets have no reason to rush him back with the season going nowhere. Nick Richards should get another start without Williams on Monday. He recently had a three-game double-double streak and has posted 8.9 points and 8.4 rebounds with 1.5 blocks in the role this season.