CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 1: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the game on April 1, 2016 at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)Kent Smith/Getty Images

Nicolas Batum Injury: Updates on Hornets Forward's Ankle and Return

Scott PolacekApr 11, 2016

Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum suffered a sprained left ankle against the Boston Celtics on April 11, but he is ready to go for the start of the postseason.

Continue for updates.

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Batum to Start Game 1

Sunday, April 17

The Hornets confirmed Batum is in the starting lineup against the Miami Heat.

Batum Vital to Hornets' Postseason Success

Batum joined the Hornets this offseason after spending the first seven years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. Thus far, he has posted career-high scoring numbers in 2015-16 with 14.9 points per game.

He can also contribute on the boards, shoot from three-point range and set up teammates to score; he's a threat to post a triple-double every time he takes the floor. His overall versatility—and ability to stuff the stat sheet from either the shooting guard or small forward spot—is a major reason Charlotte clinched a spot in the playoffs for just the second time since the 2009-10 season.

Ultimately, the Hornets have enough pieces to challenge a team in a single postseason series, but they need Batum to perform if they want to serve as one of the true threats to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.