This projection casts a dark cloud over the Charlotte Hornets
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dec 26, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a shot against Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) and Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Hornets exceed their damaged expectations? Mark D. Smith USA Today
The Charlotte Hornets are looking to make the playoffs this season, and they have a bunch of new faces onboard to help. But Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's devastating shoulder injury really lowers their expectations.
According to FiveThirtyEight, the Hornets probably won't make the postseason, and it's all because of MKG:
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Even with Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lin and Frank Kaminzky in the rotation (and Lance Stephenson nowhere to be found), the loss of Kidd-Gilchrist is devastating. It'll be interesting to see if head coach Steve Clifford can figure out a way to replace his most important player's production.