Hornets Await Diabate's Status for Magic Play-In Game

Charlotte may be without its starting center for crucial playoff matchup.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with the players and court broken down into overlapping, angular shapes and planes of color.The Hornets' playoff aspirations rest on navigating a fractured frontcourt rotation against the Magic.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets face a crucial Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic on Friday, but their lineup remains uncertain as starting center Moussa Diabate is listed as questionable due to a left hip injury. The Hornets are also without PJ Hall, who will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

Why it matters

The Hornets need a win over the Magic to clinch the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Diabate's potential absence could significantly impact Charlotte's frontcourt depth and rotations in this high-stakes game.

The details

Diabate appeared to be bothered by the left hip issue during the Hornets' overtime victory against the Miami Heat on Tuesday. If Diabate is unable to play, Charlotte may turn to Ryan Kalkbrenner, Grant Williams, and Xavier Tillman to fill the void at center. The Hornets have already ruled out PJ Hall for the remainder of the season as he recovers from right ankle surgery.

  • The Hornets and Magic will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • Diabate was listed as questionable on the Hornets' injury report ahead of the Play-In game.

The players

Moussa Diabate

The Hornets' starting center who is listed as questionable for Friday's game due to a left hip injury.

PJ Hall

The Hornets' forward who will miss the remainder of the season as he recovers from right ankle surgery.

Ryan Kalkbrenner

A Hornets center who could see increased playing time if Diabate is unable to play.

Grant Williams

A Hornets forward who could also fill in at center if needed.

Xavier Tillman

A Hornets center who could see more minutes if Diabate is out.

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What they’re saying

“We'll have to see how Moussa feels closer to game time, but we're prepared to adjust our rotation if needed.”

— Steve Clifford, Hornets Head Coach

What’s next

If the Hornets defeat the Magic, they will advance to the first round of the playoffs to face the Detroit Pistons.

The takeaway

The Hornets' playoff hopes rest heavily on the health of Moussa Diabate, their starting center. His potential absence could force Charlotte to get creative with its frontcourt rotation in a must-win Play-In game against the Magic.