Al Jefferson Injury: Updates on Hornets Star's Recovery from Knee Surgery

Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson is dealing with a knee injury that is preventing him from suiting up for Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to the team's public-relations department. The Hornets announced Jefferson will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a tear in the lateral meniscus of his right knee.

Continue for updates. 

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Latest on Jefferson's Timetable to Return

Wednesday, Dec. 30

Hornets PR announced Jefferson is expected to be out around six weeks.

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Jefferson's Struggles to Remain on Court Continue

Jefferson was sidelined in December because of a strained left calf, but the big man returned Dec. 26 after spending more than three weeks on the shelf. 

A post-up maven in a rapidly improving Hornets offense, Jefferson is averaging 12.5 points and 6.1 rebounds on 48.2 percent shooting so far this season. Additionally, Big Al is scoring on 42 percent of his post-up opportunities, according to Synergy Sports data provided to NBA.com. 

Charlotte will have to hope Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky are capable of taking on big minutes with Spencer Hawes also nursing a back injury. 

Since Jefferson and Kemba Walker are the focal points of the Hornets offense, losing the center again could hinder the team's efficiency significantly on that end.