LaMelo Ball Doubtful For Wednesday
LaMelo Ball (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's clash with the Bulls. He's been out for a couple of games already, and it looks like Ball will be forced to sit again on Wednesday due to a right ankle problem. Ish Smith and P.J. Washington have picked up starts during Ball's recent absence. The latter exploded for 43 points against Washington on Saturday and appears to be gaining momentum in fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Charlotte Hornets point guard Source: NBA Injury Report
LaMelo Ball To Undergo Surgery
LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) will require surgery to address a right ankle impingement and will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. He will also undergo "a minor procedure on his right wrist." The 2020 No. 3 overall pick played well this season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. However. Ball will finish the year having logged only 47 games after appearing in 22 contests in 2023-24. Without question, he is an MVP-caliber player when healthy. But, based on Ball's inability to stay healthy, fantasy managers should consider other options heading into next season. In the meantime, KJ Simpson will likely work his way into the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in five starts this season.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets guard Source: Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball Sidelined On Friday
LaMelo Ball (ankle) won't play on Friday versus the Raptors. Statistically, Ball has had a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. However, as has been the case over the years, he has been limited by injuries, appearing in only 47 games. The Hornets can't make the playoffs, and with only 10 games remaining on the schedule, Ball may not be on the floor for most (if not all) of them. As such, Damion Baugh, assuming he gets called up from the G League, may find his way back into the starting lineup, with the 24-year-old averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in two starts this season. KJ Simpson also has a chance to roll with the first five, with Miles Bridges and Mark Williams the favorites to lead the way offensively no matter who takes over at the one.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Charlotte Hornets guard Source: NBA Injury Report
LaMelo Ball Out Of Action Versus Thunder
LaMelo Ball (ankle) will be out of action for Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ball will sit out the second half of back-to-back games for right ankle injury management. The 23-year-old is coming out of a 25-point effort where he also logged five rebounds and eight assists in 28 minutes during Thursday's 115-98 win over the Knicks. The Hornets will have several holes in their roster for this evening due to injuries, meaning Nick Smith, Josh Green, and DaQuan Jeffries could see expanded roles. Unfortunately, these three players won't make much of an impact on fantasy during tonight's matchup.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Charlotte Hornets guard Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
LaMelo Ball Available Versus The Knicks
LaMelo Ball (wrist) is good to go for Thursday's matchup with the Knicks. He wasn't available for Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. As a result, Damion Baugh entered the starting lineup and finished with 11 points, nine boards, five assists, and one steal. But with Ball and Miles Bridges (illness) cleared to suit up, Baugh will lose most of his fantasy appeal. On the other hand, Ball is a must-start in any fantasy setup.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets guard Source: Charlotte Hornets
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