Nick Richards is averaging career highs with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his first five appearances.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards is expected to miss at least two weeks after he was diagnosed with a fracture of the right first rib cartilage below his collarbone.

The team did not give a clear timeline for his return, except to say he will be reevaluated every two weeks. The next update on his status will come after the team’s road trip on November 17. He will miss at least seven games.

Richards was injured during an on-field collision in the first half against the Boston Celtics on November 1.

The Hornets are already weak at the center position as regular starter Mark Williams has not played this season due to injury.

The 7-foot Richards has played in 205 games and has career averages of 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 205 games over five seasons. This year, Richards is averaging career highs with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his first five appearances.