Jamal Mashburn, the starting small forward for the Charlotte Hornets, has missed the previous three games with a strained groin. It turns out the strained groin may not be a strained groin at all, rather a much more serious lower abdominal strain which could see him miss up to one or two months of the Hornets season. While surgery is an possibility, doctors are still considering the most appropriate option and have not yet made a decision.
"I don't have a clue how long it will be. All I know is it will be at least three games. The strain is behind the abdominal wall that goes into the groin area, from what I understand," said coach Paul Silas.
The Hornets activated rookie Kirk Haston off the injured list for the first time this season, and will continue to start Lee Nailon at the Small Forward position. Starting in the previous two games going into Friday's game against the Magic, Nailon has averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 42 minutes. Nailon had to fight for a guaranteed contract during the preseason, which he did not get.