22Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
January 9, 2026
Modest performance in loss
Diabate racked up 10 points (2-5 FG, 6-8 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block over 36 minutes during Thursday's 114-112 loss to the Pacers.
Analysis
Diabate finished Thursday's loss to the Pacers with only five boards, his fewest since Dec. 20 and the only time he's been held below eight since entering the starting lineup Dec. 23. With Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) sidelined, Diabate has played at least 28 minutes in seven straight games and has been a strong source of rebounds, averaging 8.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 blocks in 32.3 minutes per game during that time.
January 7, 2026
Cleared to play
Diabate (wrist) is available for Wednesday's game against Toronto.
Analysis
Diabate was tabbed probable due to a wrist injury, and he'll be in action Wednesday night. The 23-year-old will likely make his eighth start of the season, as Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) remains sidelined. In his seven starts, Diabate is averaging 8.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists across 31.9 minutes.
January 6, 2026
Likely to play against Raptors
Diabate is probable for Wednesday's game against Toronto due to a right wrist sprain.
Analysis
Diabate recently sat out two games due to the sprain, and the Hornets continue to keep an eye on his health for the first half of this back-to-back set. With Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) facing another absence, Diabate is slated to start Wednesday. Diabate has averaged 8.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 31.8 minutes per tilt across seven games as a starter this season, shooting 67.6 percent from the floor.
January 6, 2026
Nearly double-doubles
Diabate accumulated nine points (4-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds and five assists over 28 minutes during Monday's 124-97 victory over Oklahoma City.
Analysis
Diabate was able to return from a two-game absence related to a wrist injury, and he picked up right where he left off. Meanwhile, Ryan Kalkbrenner remains sidelined by an elbow issue that continues to linger. Over his last five games, Diabate is averaging 9.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 0.6 blocks in 31.9 minutes per contest.
January 6, 2026
Available Monday
Diabate (wrist) is available for Monday's game against the Thunder.
Analysis
Diabate will return from a two-game absence due to a right wrist sprain, and he's expected to get the starting nod with Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) remaining on the shelf. Diabate has started each of his last four outings, averaging 9.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 33.0 minutes per contest over that stretch. With the 23-year-old big man back in the lineup, PJ Hall should slide to the second unit against Oklahoma City.
January 5, 2026
Upgraded to probable
Diabate is probable for Monday's game against the Thunder with a sprained right wrist.
Analysis
With Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) still sidelined, Diabate should resume his role as the starting center in his expected return from a two-game absence. Diabate has averaged 8.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 32.4 minutes per contest across six games as a starter this season, shooting 65.6 percent from the floor.
January 4, 2026
Questionable for Monday
Diabate (wrist) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Thunder.
Analysis
It looks like there's a chance Diabate could return from a two-game absence Monday, but we'll have a better idea on his status based on his activity level at shootaround. If Diabate is cleared to return, PJ Hall and Tidjane Salaun (ankle) could see a reduction in minutes.
January 3, 2026
Out again Saturday
Diabate (wrist) won't play in Saturday's game against the Bulls.
Analysis
Diabate will miss a second straight game due to a sprained right wrist. With Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) also sidelined, PJ Hall and Tidjane Salaun should step into considerably larger roles. Diabate's next chance to play will come Monday at Oklahoma City.