22Breakdown
Performance
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January 19, 2026
Scores 17 points in win
Kalkbrenner produced 17 points (8-10 FG, 1-1 FT), six rebounds and one assist over 23 minutes during Sunday's 110-87 win over the Nuggets.
Analysis
Kalkbrenner returned to the bench on Sunday after starting Saturday against the Warriors and matched a season high in points with 17 on 8-of-10 shooting. It marked his 13th game shooting 80 percent or better from the field this season, trailing only Rudy Gobert for the league lead. However, the rookie big man has now gone four straight games without recording a block, his longest drought of the season.
January 19, 2026
Back to bench Sunday
Kalkbrenner is not in the Hornets' starting lineup against the Nuggets on Sunday.
Analysis
Kalkbrenner started in Saturday's loss to the Warriors and finished with four points (2-3 FG, 0-1 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and two steals over 24 minutes. The rookie second-rounder will revert to the bench Sunday while Moussa Diabate reenters the Hornets' starting lineup following a one-game absence due to a hamstring injury.
January 18, 2026
Steps into starting role
Kalkbrenner will start Saturday's game against the Warriors.
Analysis
Kalkbrenner will draw the start after the team downgraded Moussa Diabate (hamstring) to out. Kalkbrenner has plenty of experience as a starter so far this season and is averaging 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.5 blocks in his last six appearances with the first unit.
January 16, 2026
Continues to come off bench
Kalkbrenner totaled nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes during Thursday's 135-117 win over the Lakers.
Analysis
After missing 10 straight games due to an elbow injury, Kalkbrenner returned to action in Utah on Jan. 10 and posted 12 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes. However, over his past two appearances, the rookie center has totaled only 11 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes. It's unclear if Kalkbrenner is still managing an injury or if the Hornets are just being overly cautious. Either way, Moussa Diabate has been the more productive center for Charlotte in recent games.
