Photo: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Hornets have upgraded center Cody Zeller (fractured hand) to probable against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 22, the team announced.

Zeller plans to make his return then, notes Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 28-year-old has been out since Dec. 23, when he suffered the broken left hand in the team’s season opener.

In his absence, the team started Bismack Biyombo at center and also used PJ Washington as a small-ball center.

The Hornets are currently 6-8 this season.