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2 hours ago
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The Charlotte Hornets are listing LaMelo Ball as out ahead of tonight’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball is dealing with a right ankle impingement and will miss his second straight game.
This isn’t what Hornets fans were hoping to hear, as their star point guard continues to battle ankle issues early in the 2025–26 regular season. Although it’s unclear how Ball suffered the injury, Charlotte will look for alternative scoring options against a struggling 0–6 Pelicans roster.
Ball has been red-hot across six starts, averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.7 steals in 33.3 minutes per game. He currently leads the team in four of the five major statistical categories, proving just how valuable he is to the Hornets’ success.
Charlotte managed to survive without Ball in Sunday’s 126–103 win over the Utah Jazz, receiving outstanding performances from Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel. The duo combined for 53 points, with Knueppel shooting above 50% from the field. Moussa Diabate added 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Tre Mann chipped in 13 points off the bench.
The Hornets have exceeded preseason expectations despite facing multiple injuries, including Brandon Miller, who remains sidelined for at least two more weeks. With Ball now joining the list, Charlotte will need to get creative on the offensive end to maintain momentum.
Luckily, the Pelicans aren’t close to full strength either. Yves Missi, Zion Williamson, and DeJounte Murray have all been listed as either questionable or out for tonight’s contest. New Orleans has yet to record a win through its first six games and will be eager to capitalize on Charlotte’s short-handed lineup.
As for Ball, he remains without a clear timetable for return but could be reevaluated ahead of Friday night’s matchup against the Miami Heat.
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