CHARLOTTE -- Hornets starting center Cody Zeller is expected to return to action Friday night against the Chicago Bulls after missing four weeks with a broken bone in his left hand, he said Thursday.
Zeller went through a scrimmage on Wednesday and coach James Borrego on Thursday listed him as probable for the game, and the 7-foot center will not be on a minutes restriction.
Zeller said Thursday that he had no problems in the scrimmage and is ready to play. Given the injury is to his left non-shooting hand, he said his concerns are "mostly catching a pass and rebounding, but it has felt good so far and I'm excited to get back out there.''
He was injured in Charlotte's season opener on Dec. 23 and has not played since. The Hornets are 6-7 without Zeller in the lineup, and have been repeatedly been outrebound by the opposition.
It's unclear if Zeller will replace Bismack Biyombo in the starting lineup or come off the bench.
Charlotte (6-8) has lost its last three games.
