Ball (wrist) is probable for Friday's game in Toronto.
Ball played through the wrist issue during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks and went off for 34 points, so it didn't seem to impact his play all that much. Managers can expect to get official confirmation on Ball's status closer to tip-off time Friday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Erupts for 34 points
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Ball logged 34 points (12-27 FG, 5-13 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine assists, eight rebounds and one steal across 37 minutes of Wednesday's 119-104 loss to the Knicks.
Other than his near triple-double, the biggest takeaway is that Ball managed to play a season-high 37 minutes. That could be an indication that the Hornets have a lot more confidence in his troublesome ankle issues. Ball caught fire in the fourth quarter, but Charlotte's comeback attempt fell a little short as the Hornets dropped their second straight.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Available to play
Rotowire
Ball (wrist) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Knicks.
Ball was listed as probable, and now we have official confirmation that he'll be available. With Brandon Miller (shoulder) unavailable, Ball will be operating with a heavy workload.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Expected to play vs. Knicks
Rotowire
Ball (wrist) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.
The guard is expected to play through wrist soreness Wednesday. Ball has averaged 18.9 points, 8.9 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest in 14 games this season, and more usage will be open due to the absence of Brandon Miller (shoulder) against New York.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Double-doubles in loss
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Ball ended Monday's 116-103 loss to Brooklyn with 12 points (3-9 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks across 29 minutes.
Ball recorded a season-high 14 assists, notching his third double-double of the campaign. Since returning from yet another ankle injury, Ball's playing time has been a hot topic of conversation. It appears as though the Hornets are going to be very cautious moving forward, a wise move given his lengthy injury history. In four games over the past week, Ball has averaged 13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.0 three-pointers in 26.7 minutes per game.
Ball posted 18 points (5-21 FG, 2-11 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals over 27 minutes during Wednesday's 127-118 loss to Indiana.
Ball struggled with efficiency and protecting the ball against the Pacers, which may have factored into him not playing the final four minutes of the game. The former All-Star had six turnovers while scoring 18 points on 21 shots. Still, he delivered seven rebounds, eight assists and a pair of steals to balance out his final line. Ball's play has been erratic since returning from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury, but you can expect him to maintain heavy usage when available.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Available for Monday
Rotowire
Ball (rest) will be available for Monday's game against the Raptors.
This is an expected update after the star point guard missed Sunday's loss to the Thunder because it was the second leg of a back-to-back set. If Ball's ankle continues to make progress, his restrictions could soften gradually.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Out against Thunder
Rotowire
Ball (rest) won't play Saturday against the Thunder.
No surprise here, as the Hornets won't be taking any chances on the second leg of this back-to-back set given Ball's injury history. He returned from a five-game absence Friday and double-doubled with 16 points (5-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 assists and three rebounds across 27 minutes. Tre Mann and Collin Sexton are likely to see increased run as a result Saturday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Posts double-double in return
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Ball totaled 16 points (5-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 assists and three rebounds across 27 minutes during Friday's 147-134 overtime loss to the Bucks.
Ball returned to action after missing the past five games due to a right ankle impingement. Despite being on a minutes limit, Ball came through with his third double-double of the season. Though Ball will likely see his playing time pick up his subsequent appearances, he'll be a candidate to sit out the second leg of a back-to-back set Saturday versus Oklahoma City.
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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
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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: Questionable for Tuesday
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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
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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.
