NEW ORLEANS (AP) -Hornets starting center Tyson Chandler hyperextended his right knee during the second quarter of New Orleans’ 95-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
Chandler was on crutches after the game, but smiled and said X-rays showed no ligament tears or broken bones. He added he may even return for the Hornets’ next game on Wednesday night at home against Indiana.
“I’m feeling good,” Chandler said. “I’m hoping not to miss anything.”
Chandler was starting to run back to the Hornets’ defensive end after a missed runner by Peja Stojakovic when he nearly tripped over a couple of players, including Stojakovic. He then took one more awkward step before collapsing, writhing in pain.
Trainers helped him to the locker room.
“I stepped on something and my whole leg went backwards and then it went numb and I thought: ‘Oh god, I either tore something or I broke something.”’
Hilton Armstrong came in to replace him.
Chandler has been a force inside for the Hornets since the middle of last season, regularly getting double-doubles in points and rebounds.
This season, he was averaging 11.4 points and 11.5 rebounds as the Hornets got off to a franchise-best 9-2 start.
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