Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is set to return after missing nearly four months with a shoulder injury.
The Hornets said their top defender has been cleared to play and is expected to be in uniform Friday night against the Trail Blazers in Portland.
The 6-foot-7 Kidd-Gilchrist had surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder on Oct. 6, months after he agreed to a $55 million contract extension. He was injured in the team's first preseason game at Orlando on Oct. 3 when he landed awkwardly on the shoulder.
Kidd-Gilchrist played in 55 games last season, averaging a career-high 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 28.9 minutes a game.
Hornets' Kidd-Gilchrist to return against Trail Blazers
The Hornets said their top defender has been cleared to play and is expected to be in uniform Friday night against the Trail Blazers in Portland. AP/Chuck Burton