Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, who has been sidelined for the entire regular season so far due to a left ankle sprain, is being upgraded to questionable for Saturday’s game in Miami, league sources tell Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer. The Hornets have since confirmed Ball’s new designation.
While that doesn’t mean Ball is a lock to play on Saturday night, Boone says there’s a possibility the point guard will be able to make his season debut vs. the Heat. If Ball is ultimately ruled out for Saturday’s game, his next opportunity to make his return would come on Monday in Orlando.
A first-time All-Star in 2021-22, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game in 75 starts (32.3 MPG) for the Hornets, with a shooting line of .429/.389/.872. He suffered his ankle injury during a preseason game on October 10 and was diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain the following day.
In Ball’s absence, Terry Rozier has taken on more ball-handling responsibilities, and Dennis Smith Jr. has become a key part of Charlotte’s rotation. Smith, who came to training camp on a non-guaranteed deal, was expected to provide some depth behind Ball at the point, but he has instead started 11 of 13 games and averaged nearly 30 minutes per night, putting up 10.2 PPG, 6.2 APG and 3.6 RPG.
The Hornets have lost their last seven games and are now 3-10 on the season, so getting Ball back in the lineup will be crucial if they want to turn things around and vie for a playoff or play-in spot.
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