National Basketball Association

Hornets F Ariza returns vs. Memphis

Published Jan. 18, 2012 7:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Hornets coach Monty Williams says forward Trevor Ariza is ready to return from his right groin injury for Wednesday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ariza has missed eight games with the injury. During the first five games of the season, Ariza averaged 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds.

The seven-year veteran's return comes at a time when the undermanned Hornets need all the help they can get. Shooting guard Eric Gordon is not expected to return from his right knee injury until next week, and the Hornets entered the game against the Grizzlies having lost four straight and 10 of 11.