Charlotte Hornets rookie PJ Washington is expected to be sidelined through Christmas with a fractured finger, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Hornets play five games in that stretch.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Charlotte's 83-73 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday, the team said in a statement.

Washington, 21, was selected with the 12th overall pick out of Kentucky. The rookie has started all 28 of Charlotte's games this year and has helped keep the 12-16 Hornets in the race for the Eastern Conference's eighth seed.

Washington is averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 29.4 minutes, shooting 48% from the field and 40.6% from 3-point range.