Hornets' Mark Williams: Ruled out

Williams (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Bulls.

Williams has been downgraded from questionable to out and will miss his first game of the season. In Williams' absence, Nick Richards, who recently returned from a six-game absence due to a concussion, will likely start at center. However, Charlotte may opt to run out some smaller lineups with P.J. Washington or Miles Bridges at the five.