Hornets' Kidd-Gilchrist to return against Trail Blazers

Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is set to return after missing nearly four months with a shoulder injury.

The Hornets said their top defender has been cleared to play and is expected to be in uniform Friday night against the Trail Blazers in Portland.

The 6-foot-7 Kidd-Gilchrist had surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder on Oct. 6, months after he agreed to a $55 million contract extension. He was injured in the team's first preseason game at Orlando on Oct. 3 when he landed awkwardly on the shoulder.

Kidd-Gilchrist played in 55 games last season, averaging a career-high 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 28.9 minutes a game.