21Breakdown
Performance
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January 29, 2026
Quiet outing in win
Kalkbrenner closed Wednesday's 112-97 victory over the Grizzlies with six points (3-3 FG) and four rebounds in 15 minutes.
Analysis
With Moussa Diabate thriving in Charlotte, Kalkbrenner's upside may be capped in the short term. Over the rookie's last four games, the center has averaged 21.0 minutes per contest with 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in 21.0 minutes per contest. In that same stretch, Diabate has averaged a double-double in 25.3 minutes per game.
January 26, 2026
Double-double against Philly
Kalkbrenner closed Monday's 130-93 win over the 76ers with 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-4 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal across 26 minutes off the bench.
Analysis
The double-double was the third of the season for Kalkbrenner and his first since Nov. 4. The rookie center has scored in double digits in four of nine January games (one start) since returning from an elbow injury, averaging 9.1 points, 6.0 boards, 1.0 assists and 0.8 blocks in 20.2 minutes per game on the month.
January 24, 2026
No longer starting Saturday
Kalkbrenner is not in the Hornets' starting lineup against the Wizards on Saturday.
Analysis
Kalkbrenner was originally slated to start for the Hornets on Saturday. However, the rookie second-rounder will remain in his bench role while Moussa Diabate stays in Charlotte's starting lineup.
January 24, 2026
Starting Saturday vs. Washington
Kalkbrenner is in the Hornets' starting lineup against the Wizards on Saturday.
Analysis
The rookie second-rounder has come off the bench in six of the Hornets' last seven games, but he'll reenter the starting lineup Saturday in place of Moussa Diabate. Kalkbrenner has averaged 8.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists over 20.0 minutes per game over his last seven outings.
January 24, 2026
Available Saturday
Kalkbrenner (wrist) is available for Saturday's game against the Wizards.
Analysis
Kalkbrenner popped up on Friday's injury report due to a right wrist sprain, but he has been given the green light to play in Saturday afternoon's contest. In his seven outings (one start) since returning from a 10-game absence, the rookie second-rounder has averaged 8.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists over 20.0 minutes per game.
January 23, 2026
Likely to suit up Saturday
Kalkbrenner is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards due to a right wrist sprain.
Analysis
The wrist injury is a new concern for Kalkbrenner, though he's still likely to suit up Saturday. Over seven appearances (one start) so far this month, the rookie second-rounder has averaged 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per tilt.