Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out for game against the New Orleans Pelicans

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had a scary fall during the Charlotte Hornet's game against the New York Knicks a couple nights ago. After coming out of the game, it was revealed that Kidd-Gilchrist had a rib contusion, and would be listed as day to day. That injury has not fully healed, as such MKG will miss tonight's game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

ICYMI, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist won't play tonight against the Pelicans. Gerald Henderson to start. http://t.co/QTwPrGYznR

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) November 4, 2014

This is a big loss for the Hornets. MKG has been playing some incredible basketball early on, showing some real aggressiveness on a nightly basis. However, if he's not fully healed, then he shouldn't play. The Hornets made the right call sitting him out.

MKG's absence will be a blow to the third ranked Hornets defense, requiring whomever replaces Kidd-Gilchrist to step up. I imagine Gerald Henderson will take MKG's place. While obviously not the same level of defender, Henderson is a good one and should be a suitable replacement. The Pelicans perimeter can score in an instant and Charlotte will need all the defense they can get if they're going to stop them.