National Basketball Association

Okafor out, Kaman returns for Hornets vs. Jazz

Published Feb. 14, 2012 12:36 a.m. ET

foxsports

Hornets center Emeka Okafor was scratched from Monday night's game against the Utah Jazz because of a sore left knee.

However, fellow New Orleans center Chris Kaman is slated to start for Okafor after missing the Hornets' previous game last Friday night because of left ankle soreness.

Okafor has started every other Hornets game, averaging about 10 points and eight rebounds. He had 13 points and eight rebounds in New Orleans' 94-86 loss to Portland on Friday.

Kaman has primarily played a reserve role this season, averaging 9.6 points and seven rebounds.

The Hornets also are without guards Eric Gordon (right knee bruise) and Jarrett Jack (left knee bruise), and forwards Carl Landry (left knee sprain) and Jason Smith (concussion).