Hornets center Nick Richards was sidelined for at least two weeks due to a broken rib cartilage

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

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

The team has not provided a clear timetable for his return other than to say he will be re-evaluated every other week. The next update on his status will follow the team’s road trip on November 17. He will miss at least seven games.

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

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

The 7-foot-3 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 of 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks through his first five appearances.