Ball (ankle) will play Friday against the Bucks, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Ball is back following a five-game stint on the sidelines, which should result in Collin Sexton or Sion James heading back to the second unit, and Tre Mann's minutes will dip. Ball could have his minutes monitored in his first game back, particularly with this being the first of a back-to-back set, so he's a risky target in daily fantasy leagues.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Another absence coming
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Bucks.
Wednesday will mark a fifth consecutive absence for Ball, who practiced with the Hornets' G League affiliate Tuesday. The superstar guard will be trying to return Friday against the Bucks. Tre Mann and Sion James are the most likely candidates for an increased role Wednesday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: To practice with Swarm
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) will practice with the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Tuesday, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
This will be a quick assignment for Ball, and he's likely to be recalled right after the practice. This is an indication that he's progressing, but it remains to be seen if he'll be cleared in time for Wednesday's game against the Bucks on Wednesday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Remaining out vs. LAL
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers.
Ball will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a right ankle impingement, and his next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against the Bucks. With the star point guard sidelined, Collin Sexton, Sion James and Tre Mann are candidates for increased playing time.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Downgraded to doubtful
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is now doubtful for Friday's game against the Heat, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
The Hornets have downgraded Ball from questionable to doubtful, setting the superstar guard up for a third straight absence. With Collin Sexton (neck) also unlikely to play, the Charlotte backcourt should be helmed by Tre Mann, Kon Knueppel and Sion James on Friday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Iffy for Friday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat.
Ball is trying to get back into the lineup after missing two games with an ankle impingement. If the superstar guard is unable to make his way back onto the floor, fantasy managers can look for Tre Mann and Sion James to handle a larger role. Collin Sexton (neck), who's likely to play, would also orchestrate the offense if Ball is out.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Won't play vs. Pelicans
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is out for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
Tuesday will mark a second straight absence for Ball. The superstar guard's next chance to return from a right ankle impingement will come Friday against the Heat. Collin Sexton should run the Charlotte offense Tuesday, and rookie Sion James should hold onto streaming appeal until Ball is ready to play.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Questionable for Tuesday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game in New Orleans, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
If Ball isn't able to give it a go Tuesday night, it will be his second straight game on the sidelines. We should have a better idea of his status based on his activity level at Tuesday's shootaround, but if he's out, Collin Sexton would likely get another start.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Available to play
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is available to play in Saturday's game against the Timberwolves, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Ball was upgraded to probable earlier in the day, and now coach Charles Lee has given him the green light to play. Any time Ball pops up on the injury report it's a big concern given his past issues staying on the floor, so it will be interesting to see how he holds up Saturday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Likely to play Saturday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) has been upgraded to probable for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves.
Ball is dealing with a right ankle impingement but is likely to suit up against Minnesota. The 24-year-old point guard has been productive through five regular-season games, averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 33.4 minutes per contest.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Questionable for Saturday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is questionable to play in Saturday's game against the Timberwolves, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
After an impressive all-around performance in Thursday's game against the Magic, Ball is dealing with an ankle issue. If he's unable to play, the team will likely pivot to Collin Sexton and Tre Mann to shoulder the load in the backcourt.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Double-doubles in loss
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Ball racked up 17 points (8-19 FG, 1-9 3Pt), seven rebounds, 13 assists and two steals in 36 minutes during Thursday's 123-107 loss to Orlando.
This was Ball's third double-double of the season and the 70th of his career, which moved him to the No. 8 spot on Charlotte's all-time double-doubles list. He also moved into 10th place on Charlotte's all-time steals list Thursday evening. Ball is flirting with first-round value on the season, and he's showing no signs of slowing down.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Triple-doubles in win
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Ball erupted for 38 points (13-25 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 13 rebounds, 13 assists and three steals in 35 minutes during Sunday's 139-113 win over the Wizards.
The Wizards had absolutely zero answers for Ball, who got whatever he wanted all game long. He converted deep threes, got to the line with ease, and went to work battling for boards amongst the trees. Ball has gotten off to a scorching start this season, and if he can maintain this pace, he should easily nab his second All-Star selection.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Scores 20 points with eight dimes
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Ball recorded 20 points (7-15 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-5 FT), eight assists, two rebounds, one steal and three turnovers in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 136-117 win over Brooklyn.
While Ball wasn't great at the charity stripe, he did do an excellent job of distributing the rock, and he didn't commit his first turnover until late into the fourth quarter. He'll be a reliable source of points, triples and dimes this season, so if he can manage to stay healthy, he could be in for a career year.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Removed from injury report
Rotowire
Ball (knee) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's season opener against Brooklyn.
Ball's knee contusion cost him the end of the preseason, but the injury proved to be of minimal concern. The superstar guard will be trying to play at least 50 games this year for the first time since 2021-22. Last regular season, Ball averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest in 47 games.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Sitting preseason finale
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Ball won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Knicks due to a right knee contusion.
Ball notched 23 points (7-16 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and five turnovers in 28 minutes of Wednesday's 145-116 preseason win over the Grizzlies. However, after banging knees with an opponent Wednesday, he'll take a seat for the preseason finale, likely due to precautionary reasons. He'll have a few days off to rest and rehab before the Hornets open the regular season at home against the Nets on Oct. 22.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Puts up 23 points
Rotowire
Ball notched 23 points (7-16 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and five turnovers in 28 minutes of Wednesday's 145-116 preseason win over the Grizzlies.
Ball was outstanding in this game, and he showcased his creativity and flair on several instances. He was challenged by the franchise to become more of a leader this season, and he spent a ton of time in the gym prepping his body for the campaign after some injury issues in the past. Things are looking up for Charlotte's franchise point guard.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Scores team-high 20 points
Rotowire
Ball finished with 20 points (8-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt), six assists, three rebounds and one block in 23 minutes during Saturday's preseason win over the Mavericks.
Ball was productive again Saturday, continuing what has been a positive preseason. The oft-injured guard has played in all three preseason games, an indication he is fully healthy. After years of mediocrity, Charlotte will be hoping its superstars can remain healthy, especially in a weakened Eastern Conference. Despite the clear risk, Ball remains an elite point guard as long as he can stay on the floor.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Drops 15 points in loss
Rotowire
Ball compiled 15 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 FT, 4-6 3Pt), five rebounds, four assists and a steal over 25 minutes in Thursday's 122-116 preseason loss to the Thunder.
While durability has always been a concern for Ball, he appears to be 100 percent after undergoing surgeries on his right wrist and right ankle over five months ago. He's logged more than 47 games only once during his five years in the pros, so there is a risk-reward element to taking Ball high in fantasy drafts. The team added excellent backcourt support in Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie, and both will be on call if Ball slips to the injury report at any point this season.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Undergoes surgery on wrist, ankle
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The Hornets announced Wednesday that Ball has undergone successful surgeries on his right wrist and right ankle, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Ball is expected to resume full basketball activities in five to six weeks, which is a good sign for the Hornets moving forward. The rising star posted a strong 2024-25 campaign, averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game to go along with 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 40.5 percent from the floor and 33.9 percent from beyond the arc.
