Coach Steve Clifford said Monday that he expects Williams (back) to be ready for the start of training camp, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Williams had a disastrous 2023-24 campaign, as his back injury limited him to only 19 appearances. He's expected to have a clean bill of health entering the 2024-25 season, however, and could be poised to bounce back. He finished the regular season with averages of 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks, so the upside is there.

The Hornets haven't officially shut Williams (back) down for the season, but the second-year center isn't expected to play again during the 2023-24 campaign, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Updates on Williams' status have been few and far between since he made his last appearance Dec. 8 before being shut down with what the Hornets initially listed as a lower back contusion. The Hornets' latest injury report has referred to his ongoing absence being the result of "low back injury recovery," and the team hasn't provided any concrete information regarding what kind of activity Williams is doing as part of his rehab program. Though the Hornets haven't officially made an announcement on shutting Williams down for the season like they have with LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and Seth Curry (ankle) within the past two days, fantasy managers in redraft leagues who have been holding Williams amid his prolonged absence can feel comfortable cutting bait at this point. Nick Richards has since taken over as the Hornets' starting center, with Grant Williams and Aleksej Pokusevski serving as Richards' primary backup options.

Williams (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Williams continues to deal with a back issue and doesn't have a timetable to return. His next chance to suit up will be Friday against Golden State.

Williams (back) won't play Monday against the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Williams continues to miss time due to a back injury and remains without a timetable for a return. His next chance to take the court will arrive Wednesday against Cleveland.

Williams is out to face the Hawks on Saturday due to a back injury.

EDGE Analysis

Williams has been bothered by a back injury for the majority of the season, as he hasn't played since Dec. 8. Even though general manager Mitch Kupchak suggested in February that Williams would be re-evaluated soon, it sounds like his status will be week-to-week going forward, which makes sense considering the Hornets have no incentives to rush him in the midst of another non-contending campaign.

Williams (back) may not be cleared to play again this season, as head coach Steve Clifford intimated in his press conference following Tuesday's 101-89 loss to the Magic, Bally Sports Southeast reports. "We're tiny by NBA standards...We're going to be smaller here for the rest of the year," Clifford said.

EDGE Analysis

Clifford didn't specifically touch on Williams' status, but his comment about the Hornets going with smaller lineups for the remainder of the season at the very least suggests that the team isn't bracing for the second-year center's return anytime soon. The Hornets did get some added size back Tuesday with Nick Richards (foot) returning from a one-game absence, and while Richards should start when available, Charlotte will likely lean on the 6-foot-6 Grant Williams as his primary backup, given the lack of reliable alternatives at center on the roster. General manager Mitch Kupchak suggested in February that Mark Williams is on track to be re-evaluated later this week, but fantasy managers who have been holding the young center shouldn't be holding their breath in anticipation of him making a speedy return, if he even plays at all again this season. The Hornets are sitting at 15-47 on the season after Tuesday's loss and have little incentive to rush Williams back from the low-back injury in the midst of another non-contending campaign. Williams has been out of action since Dec. 8.

General manager Mitch Kupchak said Friday that Williams (back) is expected to return this season but will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Schuyler Callihan of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Williams hasn't played since Dec. 8 due to a back injury and will remain sidelined for an extended period. Nick Richards should continue to start at center until Williams is able to retake the floor.

Williams (back) won't play in Friday's game versus the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

Williams' absence streak will extend to 31 games Friday due to a back injury. There is no timetable for his return.

Williams (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Raptors.

EDGE Analysis

Williams remains out indefinitely due to a back contusion. He hasn't played since Dec. 8, and Nick Richards should continue to draw starts until Williams is cleared to play again.

Williams (back) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers.

EDGE Analysis

Williams hasn't played since Dec. 8 and remains out indefinitely due to a back contusion. Nick Richards should continue to benefit from Williams' absence.