Since losing Ja Morant to a 25-game suspension this season due to his frequent displaying of firearms on live Instagram videos, LaMelo Ball is undoubtedly the Charlotte Hornets’ best player on their roster so far this season alongside Miles Bridges. He has been delivering consistently and constantly MVP-like performances in all the games he’s played this season.
However, the unforeseen set in during the matchup against the Orlando Magic. His absence has caused the Hornets back-to-back defeats in their recent matchups. Let’s now look at the reports surrounding LaMelo Ball’s injury.
LaMelo Ball injury update
LaMelo Ball is currently relying on a walking boot and crutches following a significant sprain in his right ankle during a game against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. And Shams Charania has confirmed Ball’s injury, “Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has suffered a serious sprain in his right ankle and is likely to miss extended time,” sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium that the “Tests show Ball avoided a fracture in the ankle, which required surgery last season, and a cautious approach is expected.”
LaMelo Ball suffered an injury in the second quarter of a 130-117 loss to the Orlando Magic. He went down awkwardly while attempting a layup against Paolo Banchero. Despite being assisted off the court and not returning to the game, Ball still managed to make a contribution with seven points, one rebound, and two assists in just 15 minutes.
The report suggests a cautious approach to LaMelo Ball’s recovery, anticipating an extended absence. Currently, he is using a walking boot and crutches to support his healing process. This injury is a setback for Ball, who was enjoying an outstanding season with impressive statistics, averaging 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Notably, he scored 30 points or more in seven of the last 10 games.
The Hornets, currently 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 5-10 record, face a challenging situation without Ball. The team’s contention prospects are impacted, and players like Ish Smith and Theo Maledon are likely to see increased playing time. There’s also a possibility of Terry Rozier transitioning to the starting point guard role from shooting guard.
Knicks beat Hornets
The New York Knicks (10-7) secured a 115-91 victory against the Charlotte Hornets (5-11), reaching double-digit wins for the season. This win also propels them into the next round of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Despite a less-than-perfect performance, with 40% shooting accuracy and 16 turnovers, the Knicks managed to overcome challenges, especially in the third quarter.
The Hornets were impacted by LaMelo Ball’s absence from an ankle injury, which allowed the Knicks to establish a comfortable lead. The Knicks had an impressive performance against the Hornets, winning all three games with an average victory margin of 20 points and scoring an impressive 122 points per game. Rookie Brandon Miller, who had an impressive 29-point performance in the previous game, led the team with 18 points, making 4 out of 8 shots from beyond the arc. However, the support from Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier, and Gordon Hayward was somewhat limited, as they collectively scored 28 points on 12-35 shooting.
On the Knicks’ side, some outstanding performances came from Julius Randle, who recorded 25 points and 20 rebounds, Immanuel Quickley scoring 23 points, and RJ Barrett contributing 16 points with a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line. Mitchell Robinson added a season-high six blocks to the mix.
With their quarterfinal qualification confirmed, the Knicks were anticipating a trip to Las Vegas but, in reality, are heading to Milwaukee. They need a victory over the Bucks to secure a spot in the Final Four in Vegas. The Hornets, after an in-season tournament matchup against the Knicks on Tuesday, are set to face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
