Hornets C Zeller expected to be out four to six weeks after hand surgery

Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller had successful surgery on a fracture in his right hand Thursday, the team announced. The 26-year-old Zeller, who injured his hand in the third quarter of Monday's game against the Orlando Magic, is expected to be out four to six weeks, the team said in its release. The surgery was on the third metacarpal of Zeller's right hand. In 35 games this season, all starts, the 7-foot Zeller is averaging 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in 24.5 minutes.

He had 14 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes before leaving Monday's 125-100 victory. A first-round pick of the then-Charlotte Bobcats, Zeller was the fourth player taken in the 2013 draft. His career averages are 8.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game.