After initially being listed as questionable with a left ankle bone bruise, Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is probable to play in Thursday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
However, Ball will have to deal with Trae Young, who will return to the Hawks' starting lineup after a 22-game absence with a sprained MCL. ESPN's Shams Charania announced Young's return from injury this afternoon.
The Hawks went 13-9 without Young, including a 113-110 win against the Hornets on November 23.
Ball sat out Charlotte's previous three contests with the ankle injury and is averaging 19.4 and 8.5 assists in 28.9 minutes per game.
Young has tormented the Hornets as of late
Young has scored 31 points or more in three of his last four matchups against the Hornets, including a 41-point performance back in October 2024. He shot 5-for-9 from three in the Hornets' final matchup of the 2024-25 season against Atlanta this past March.
That's not to say Young doesn't have his work cut out for him on defense in tonight's matchup. Ball is quick on his feet and loves to push in transition, possibly testing the strength of Young's knee and durability.
The four-time All-Star and last year's assists champion could also face a minutes restriction. Expect Sion James, a strong and athletic defender, to match up with Young on defense.
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Charlotte's most recent loss proves why the Hornets are better off without LaMelo Ball