In a wide-open Eastern Conference this year, Charlotte had been expecting to compete for at least a play-in tournament return. But key health issues have thrown a wrench in that plan.
MORE: Anonymous NBA scout slams LaMelo Ball for lack of seriousness
Now, ahead of a scheduled Monday matchup against a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers squad (who'll be missing both LeBron James and Austin Reaves), the Hornets' official PR account on X has revealed that three of Charlotte's own key contributors will sit out. Most critically, All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball will miss a fourth straight game with a lingering right ankle impingement.
Guard Josh Green (left shoulder surgery), veteran power forward Grant Williams (right knee surgery), and third-year starting forward Brandon Miller (left shoulder subluxation) also remain on the shelf. Embattled forward Miles Bridges remains questionable with back spasms.
For the 3-6 Hornets to thrive this year, key cogs Ball, Miller and Bridges will all need to be mostly healthy and avoid off-court issues.
Ball has struggled to steer clear of injuries for much of his NBA career. He's missed 35 or more games across each of the past three seasons.
A creative playmaker whose size, length, and strength make him a dynamic downhill scorer and a tough cover as a lead guard, Ball has yet to advance to the actual playoffs across five completed seasons in the league.
Prior to the ankle injury, the 6-foot-7 pro had been averaging 23.3 points on.430/.333/.815 shooting splits, 9.8 dishes, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 swipes per bout, through six healthy games.
More Hornets news:
- Kon Knueppel scores career-high 30 in Hornets’ loss to Heat
- Hornets star to miss multiple weeks with new shoulder injury
- Charlotte rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner surges up NBA leaderboards despite team loss
- Hornets’ Charles Lee prioritizes growth while losses mount early in season