Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Injury: Updates on Hornets Star's Ankle and Return

The Charlotte Hornets are battling for their playoff lives, but their fight got a bit tougher Friday night when do-everything forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist went down with an ankle injury.

Continue for updates.

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MKG Out vs. Rockets

Monday, April 13

The Hornets announced that Kidd-Gilchrist will not play in the team's matchup against the Houston Rockets.

Ethan Skolnick of Bleacher Report reported on April 7 that Steve Clifford wasn't even sure if Kidd-Gilchrist will return this season.

The Hornets dropped a 110-107 thriller Friday night against the Washington Wizards in double overtime, but injury was added to insult when MKG was forced to leave the contest.

According to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer, the former No. 2 overall draft pick exited the game and did not return due to a sprained ankle:

Although the severity of the injury has yet to be determined, Bonnell noted that Kidd-Gilchrist looked to be in considerable discomfort:

Kidd-Gilchrist truly seems to be reaching his potential at 21 years of age as he is averaging nearly 11 points and eight rebounds per game. He is also a defensive fiend, which is why Charlotte is still alive for a playoff spot.

The Hornets are currently 1.5 games out of the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference, but if MKG is forced to miss a significant amount of time, it may prove to be unattainable.

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