Hibbert (knee) has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the Celtics.

EDGE Analysis

Initially deemed questionable, Hibbert has been ruled out as he continues to nurse a sore right knee. The injury forced him out of Friday's matchup with the Heat, though it doesn't appear to be anything overly serious. In Hibbert's absence, expect to see more of Cody Zeller and Spencer Hawes on Saturday.

Hibbert has a sore right knee, and will not return to Friday's game against the Heat, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hibbert recorded just one rebound in five minutes before leaving the game. The Hornets did not give any indication the big man was dealing with a knee issue prior to the contest, so the injury likely occurred during his brief stint on the court. Cody Zeller figures to see a heavier workload the remained or the game with Hibbert sidelined.

Hibbert generated 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, five blocks and three assists across 32 minutes in Wednesday's 107-96 win over the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

Although Cody Zeller (knee) was cleared to play in the season opener, because of the extensive time he missed in the preseason, Hibbert was awarded the start at center. Zeller excelled during his time on the floor with 15 points in 14 minutes, but Hibbert didn't concede any ground in the battle for minutes at the position, turning in a dominant performance on both ends of the court. Considering that Hibbert was one of the league's worst-performing starting centers during his time with the Lakers last season, we're skeptical he'll be able to maintain the level of performance he displayed Wednesday. Look for Zeller to eventually cut into Hibbert's workload, if not replace him in the starting lineup.

Hibbert tallied eight points (2-7 FG, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, three blocks and three steals across 23 minutes in Thursday's 96-88 preseason win over the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

Hibbert was expected to battle Cody Zeller for the starting center job throughout the preseason, but it's been a one-sided affair heading into Friday's exhibition finale against the Hornets, as Zeller has yet to return to game action while spending most of training camp recovering from a bone bruise on his right knee. Zeller's absence isn't expected to linger on for much longer, but given the extensive time that he's already missed, it seems rather doubtful that he'll be back to full strength for the start of the regular season, putting Hibbert in good position to open his Hornets career as a starter. That may be enough reason to make Hibbert a roster-worthy player in deeper formats, but after averaging just 5.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over 23.2 minutes in a full-time starting role with the Lakers last season, the 29-year-old's upside is limited.

Hibbert recorded two points (1-4 FG), five rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes during Thursday's 107-92 preseason loss to the Celtics.

EDGE Analysis

Hibbert has started at center in both of the Hornets' preseason games while Cody Zeller (knee) remains out, and he could very well open the regular season in that role, as coach Steve Clifford indicated earlier this week that Zeller has "a long way to go," in his recovery. That development would aid Hibbert's fantasy value, but his ceiling is still fairly low given the limited impact he provided as a full-time starter for the Lakers in 2015-16. Over 81 games, Hibbert averaged just 5.9 points and 4.9 boards in 23.2 minutes per contest while shooting a subpar 44.3 percent from the field.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford said Monday that Hibbert will compete with Cody Zeller in training camp for the starting center job.

EDGE Analysis

Hibbert has been a starter for most of his NBA career, but was dreadful last season with the Lakers, averaging just 5.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 assists in 23.2 minutes per game in his 81 appearances. While Zeller wasn't a high-level performer at the position in 2015-16, at 23 years old, he still hasn't tapped into his full potential and was able to outdo Hibbert with averages of 8.7 points and 6.2 boards in 24.3 minutes per game. There should be room in the rotation for both players, but look for Zeller to occupy the larger portion of the timeshare at center.

Hibbert agreed to a contract with the Hornets on Monday, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite averaging 23.2 minutes last season with the Lakers, Hibbert only mustered 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Although, he continued to display his ability to stay healthy while missing just one game during his lone season in Los Angeles, marking the fourth straight season where's played at least 76 games. He seems to be the early favorite to start at center in Charlotte, especially with the recent departure of Al Jefferson, although Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky, and Spencer Hawes will all continually challenge Hibbert's minutes during his ninth year in the league.

Hibbert had no points (0-3 FG) and four rebounds over 16 minutes in Tuesday's 103-81 loss to the Clippers.

EDGE Analysis

Hibbert did little Tuesday to alter his reputation as one of the league's least productive centers, as he was outmaneuvered early and often by the Clippers' DeAndre Jordan, who needed only 29 minutes to produce seven points and 14 boards. Since the start of March, Hibbert has recorded no more than nine rebounds in any of the Lakers' 17 contests, and has reached double figures in the scoring column just twice.

Hibbert had seven points (3-4 FG, 1-1 FT) and six rebounds in 22 minutes during the Lakers' 90-87 loss to the Knicks on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Coming off a 16-minute outing against the Cavaliers in which he recorded zero rebounds, Hibbert's six boards Sunday were the most he has hauled in since Feb. 19. It still seems like only yesterday that Hibbert was one of the top centers in basketball, but big trees fall hard. With averages of 6.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 assists, and 0.4 steals in 24 minutes per game on the season, Hibbert can be ignored in most leagues.

Hibbert (ankle) had nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT) and three rebounds in 17 minutes during the Lakers' 120-111 loss against the Cavaliers on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hibbert missed Monday's matchup with his old Pacers team in Indiana due to a sprained left ankle. However, he was able to return on Wednesday--though he played sparingly. Hibbert hasn't seen a 30-minute load since Dec. 11 versus the Spurs, and his per-game averages continue to plummet as the season rolls on.