The Charlotte Hornets knew center Cody Zeller’s leg injury was no niggling little ailment.
After Zeller was kneed in his right quadricep Jan. 23 against the Washington Wizards, head athletic trainer Steve Stricker warned coach Steve Clifford that there would be much pain and Zeller would likely miss more than a game or two.
Zeller hasn’t played or fully practiced since that collision. He rode an exercise bike Monday while the Hornets practiced at Portland’s Moda Center. Clifford said at shootaround Tuesday that Zeller would definitely miss the game against Portland and likely Wednesday’s road game against the Golden State Warriors.