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Charlotte Hornets: Beat Indiana, lose Kidd-Gilchrist again

By John Woodcock

Feb 10, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets have lost Michael Kidd-Gilchrist again at a crucial time for the team.

The Charlotte Hornets can’t seem to catch a break. After a few games back with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, they seemed to be on their way to finding a winning formula with the additional injection of rebounding and defense. The results of the combination even led to the Hornets accomplishing a number of goals before the All-Star Break. They got over .500 with a record of 27-26. They even claimed eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings by moving past Detroit. Ailing Chicago sits in seventh.

Then Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi fell on the repaired shoulder of Kidd-Gilchrist and every thing is out of whack again. Kidd-Gilchrist’s labrum was retorn and his return this season has be doubtful considering the months that it took him to recover from doing it the first time. So once again the Hornets are missing their defensive dynamo and once again P.J. Hairston will be called upon to try to fill the hole.

To complicate matters, the Hornets will also be facing a major road swing when the All-Star Break comes to an end because Charlotte will become home to the CIAA Tournament for about a week. The Hornets will have to build new momentum away from home and they have an 8-17 road record thus far this season.

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The good news is that Al Jefferson will make his return sometime after the All-Star Break, potentially giving the team a boost offensively. However Jefferson will not bring the defensive intensity provided by Kidd-Gilchrist and also does not play the same position. Perhaps the Hornets will be forced to find some answer on the trade market.

Next: .500 Achieved over the Chicago Bulls

In the meantime, more minutes should open up for players like Jeremy Lamb and Troy Daniels. Lamb was a big contributor in the win over Indiana. Coach Steve Clifford will once again have to get inventive with lineups that work. The Hornets are also back in the situation of dreading the next injury. They have performed without a number of guys this season, but this loss of Kidd-Gilchrist hurts more than most.

The Hornets go to Milwaukee on the 19th of February.

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