28Breakdown
Performance
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March 18, 2026
Cleared to play Thursday
Diabate (hand) isn't listed on the Hornets' injury report for Thursday's game against Orlando.
Analysis
Diabate appeared to sustain a left hand injury late in Tuesday's win over Miami, but the issue won't prevent him from facing the Magic. He's averaging 7.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks across 29.2 minutes over his last 11 appearances.
March 18, 2026
Leaves early with hand injury
Diabate exited Tuesday's 136-106 win over the Heat with 4:19 remaining in the fourth quarter after suffering an apparent left hand injury, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports. He finished with eight points (4-6 FG), 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block across 31 minutes.
Analysis
Diabate bounced back following a four-point, five-rebound performance during Saturday's loss to San Antonio, though he seemingly picked up a hand injury late in the contest. The Hornets were up by 28 points at the time of Diabate's departure, so while it's possible that he was lifted early as a precaution, his status will still be worth monitoring ahead of Thursday's game against the Magic. If Diabate is forced to miss time, Ryan Kalkbrenner would likely move into the starting five.
March 18, 2026
Goes to locker room
Diabate exited to the locker room during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game against the Heat with an apparent left hand injury, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.
Analysis
Perley notes that Diabate looked to be grabbing his left hand as he walked into the locker room, though it's not clear when he suffered the injury. Given the score of the game and the fact that he went to the locker room with only a few minutes remaining, it would seem unlikely that he returns to this one.
March 15, 2026
Kept in check Saturday
Diabate logged four points (2-7 FG), five rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes during Saturday's 115-102 loss to San Antonio.
Analysis
Diabate was barely noticeable Saturday, picking up two early fouls that limited him to just 21 minutes. This was simply a case of being matched up against a superior opponent, with Victor Wembanyama having his way on both ends of the floor. Despite this performance, fantasy managers should feel relatively comfortable holding him, assuming you can deal with the light schedule.