Nick Richards News, Rumors, Updates - Charlotte Hornets

Heading back to bench Friday Richards is not in the starting unit for Friday's game against the Bulls.

Impact Richards started in the 113-109 win over the Pacers on Sunday and finished with nine points and 114 rebounds across 25 minutes. However, expect him to see a considerable reduction in his playing time since Mark Williams got the start at center for this matchup. Richards is averaging 11.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game this season, but those numbers are likely to regress if he comes off the bench.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Posts strong effort on boards Richards closed Sunday's 113-109 win over the Pacers with nine points (3-5 FG, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds and one assist over 25 minutes.

Impact Richards grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds and fell one point shy of his second double-double of the month. He's looked sharp for the most part since returning from a right ankle sprain, scoring in double figures in three of four appearances while also totaling five blocks and two steals over this brief stretch.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Sunday Richards (ankle) is listed as available for Sunday's game against the Pacers.

Impact Richards was held out of the first leg of the club's back-to-back set during Saturday's loss to the Cavaliers due to a right ankle sprain. However, the big man will return to game action with Mark Williams (foot) and Moussa Diabate (illness) both sidelined. Over his last three outings, Richards has averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 blocks across 26.3 minutes per game.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Sunday Richards (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pacers.

Impact Richards took a seat for the first half of Charlotte's back-to-back set, allowing Taj Gibson to draw a start as Mark Williams continues to operate off the bench since making his season debut. Over his last three appearances, Richards has averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in 26.3 minutes per game.

DECEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Won't go Saturday Richards (ankle) has been Spencer Davies of SI.comfor Saturday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact Richards suffered a right ankle sprain during Thursday's matchup with the Knicks and it'll cost him at least one game. Moussa Diabate (illness) has also been downgraded to out, so it'll be Mark Williams and Taj Gibson who eat up minutes at center Saturday afternoon.

DECEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with right ankle sprain Richards (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Richards rolled his ankle when he stepped on Cody Martin's foot in the third quarter of Thursday night's game against the Knicks, though Richards was able to stay in the game. If Richards is unable to play Saturday, then Moussa Diabate would be in line to see more minutes off the bench as the backup center behind Mark Williams.

DECEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Impresses in return as starter Richards chipped in 22 points (6-9 FG, 10-13 FT), 14 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 30 minutes during Tuesday's 110-104 loss to the 76ers.

Impact Richards made his return to the starting lineup Tuesday after coming off the bench in Charlotte's previous game, leading all players rebounds while ending second on the team in scoring in a double-double performance. Richards matched his season high in rebounds while posting his second outing with at least 20 points. Richards has now recorded a double-double in four of his seven appearances this season.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Back in starting five Tuesday Richards will enter the starting lineup in Tuesday's game against the 76ers, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact After coming off the bench in Saturday's loss to Atlanta during his return from a 14-game absence due to a right rib fracture, Richards will return to the starting five on Tuesday. The big man will likely split minutes with Moussa Diabate and Mark Williams, who will remain limited off the bench in his return from a foot injury. During his return Saturday, Richards posted 12 points (3-5 FG, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal across 25 minutes.

DECEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Produces off bench in return Richards (rib) supplied 12 points (3-5 FG, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal across 25 minutes in Saturday's 107-104 loss to the Hawks.

Impact Though he ended up coming off the bench in his return from a 14-game absence due to a right rib fracture, Richards saw more playing time than starting center Moussa Diabate (22 minutes). The Hornets will likely prioritize Richards ahead of Diabate and could even move Richards back into the starting lineup beginning with Tuesday's game against the 76ers, but Mark Williams (foot) may not be far behind Richards in returning from a multi-week absence. Once Williams is back to full health, Richards might have a tough time consistently finding anything more than 20-to-25-minute role.

DECEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Available to play Saturday Richards (ribs) is available for Saturday's game against the Hawks, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Richards missed the first leg of the back-to-back set, a 99-98 loss to the Knicks, but the big man will return here to add some much-needed depth in the frontcourt. Richards will play for the first time since Nov. 1, meaning he'll return from a 14-game absence.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Will remain out Friday Richards (ribs) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Knicks.

Impact Richards and Mark Williams (foot) both remain out, but they appear to be nearing a return to game action after recently going through a workout with the Hornets' G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Richards' next chance to suit up will come Saturday versus the Hawks, but he can be considered doubtful for that contest. Given all the injuries to Charlotte's frontcourt, Taj Gibson and Tidjane Salaun have taken on leading roles.

NOVEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Another absence coming Richards (ribs) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Heat.

Impact Richards will miss his 13th straight contest Wednesday due to a right rib fracture. However, Richards recently went through practice in the G League, and his next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with the Knicks.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Recalled to Charlotte Charlotte recalled Richards (ribs) from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.

Impact Richards has missed the past 12 games for Charlotte, but after getting in a practice with the Swarm, it's likely that he's getting closer to a full return to action. Similar to Mark Williams (foot), it remains unclear if Richards will be able to play Wednesday against the Heat.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Assigned to G League Charlotte assigned Richards (ribs) to the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.

Impact Richards will miss his 12th game in a row for Charlotte on Monday, but similar to Mark Williams (foot), he's progressing towards a return. After practicing with the Swarm on Monday, Richards is likely to be recalled right away.

NOVEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Richards (ribs) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Magic.

Impact Richards will miss a 12th straight game. He recently returned to on-court activities, but it's unclear when he'll be cleared for game action. Mark Williams (foot) also remains out and Grant Williams (knee) is out for the season, so Moussa Diabte and Tidjane Salaun should see increased run in the frontcourt moving forward.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Out vs. Milwaukee Richards (ribs) is out for Saturday's game against the Bucks.

Impact Richards returned to practice Thursday, but he's still not ready to play and won't suit up to face the Bucks. This means the Hornets will be extremely shorthanded in the frontcourt, as they'll also be without Mark Williams (foot) and Miles Bridges (knee). Richards' next chance to play will come against the Magic on Monday.

NOVEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice The Hornets announced Thursday that Richards (ribs) has returned to team and group activities but doesn't have a specific timetable for return, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Obse...

Impact Despite returning to practice, Richards is set to miss his 10th straight contest Thursday due to a right first rib cartilage fracture. However, it appears that Richards is gearing up for a return to action.

NOVEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets center Nick Richards sidelined at least two weeks with rib cartilage fracture | NBA.com Nick Richards is expected to miss at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a right first rib cartilage fracture underneath his clavicle...

NOVEMBER 6 • NBA.COM

Hornets lose center Nick Richards for at least two weeks with rib cartilage fracture

Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards is expected to miss at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a right first rib cartilage fracture underneath his clavicle

NOVEMBER 6 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Diagnosed with rib fracture The Hornets announced Tuesday that an MRI revealed Richards has a right first rib cartilage fracture underneath his clavicle.

Impact The injury was initially reported as a shoulder injury, and Richards has already missed two games since sustaining the injury during last Friday's loss to the Celtics. The backup big man is now looking at a long-term absence, and starting center Mark Williams (back) remains with a return timeline. In their absences, Moussa Diabate, Grant Williams, Taj Gibson and Tidjane Salaun are candidates for increased roles.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Out Monday Richards (shoulder) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Minnesota.

Impact Richards is dealing with right shoulder soreness and will miss his second consecutive game Monday. The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the starting lineup with Mark Williams (foot) out. However, with both Richards and Williams absent Monday, Grant Williams will likely step into the starting five at center once again.

NOVEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play against Boston Richards (shoulder) is out for Saturday's game versus the Celtics.

Impact Richards was forced to leave Friday's contest early due to a shoulder injury and will remain sidelined Saturday. With Mark Williams (foot) also out, Moussa Diabate, Grant Williams and Taj Gibson are candidates to receive increased playing time.

NOVEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to out Richards (shoulder) won't return to Friday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Richards posted one point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, an assist and two blocks in 16 minutes during the first half but was shut down for the second half. In his absence, Grant Williams should play the majority of center minutes, while Taj Gibson could also work his way into the rotation. Richards' next chance to suit up will come Saturday in a rematch against Boston.

NOVEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to return Friday Richards is questionable to return to Friday's game against the Celtics due to right shoulder soreness.

Impact Richards posted one point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, an assist and two blocks in 16 minutes during the first half, but Grant Williams started the second half in Richards' absence. With Mark Williams (back) still out, Williams will likely play the bulk of his minutes at center, while Taj Gibson could also join the rotation.

NOVEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Stands out with two-way play Richards racked up 24 points (10-14 FG, 4-7 FT), 14 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal across 33 minutes during Wednesday's 138-133 win over the Raptors.

Impact Richards has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign and has notched three double-doubles in four games, all coming in consecutive contests. He's been a reliable two-way threat for a slumping Hornets team that has endured a 1-3 start, averaging 13.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest in 2024-25.

OCTOBER 31 • ROTOWIRE

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Hornets lose center Nick Richards for at least two weeks with rib cartilage fracture