Ball posted 18 points (5-21 FG, 2-11 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals over 27 minutes during Wednesday's 127-118 loss to Indiana.
Ball struggled with efficiency and protecting the ball against the Pacers, which may have factored into him not playing the final four minutes of the game. The former All-Star had six turnovers while scoring 18 points on 21 shots. Still, he delivered seven rebounds, eight assists and a pair of steals to balance out his final line. Ball's play has been erratic since returning from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury, but you can expect him to maintain heavy usage when available.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Flirts with double-double in return
Rotowire
Ball logged 20 points (6-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 7-7 FT), eight assists, five rebounds and one steal over 28 minutes during the Hornets' 110-108 loss to the Raptors on Monday.
Ball was given the green light to play Monday after resting during the Hornets' loss to the Thunder on Saturday. He struggled with his efficiency during Monday's loss, but his work at the charity stripe helped him reach the 20-point mark for the first time since Oct. 28 against the Heat. Ball is averaging 22.0 points, 9.6 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 31.9 minutes per game this season, though he's connecting just 40.5 percent of his field-goal attempts (including 31.5 percent of his three-point tries on 9.1 3PA/G).
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Available for Monday
Rotowire
Ball (rest) will be available for Monday's game against the Raptors.
This is an expected update after the star point guard missed Sunday's loss to the Thunder because it was the second leg of a back-to-back set. If Ball's ankle continues to make progress, his restrictions could soften gradually.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Out against Thunder
Rotowire
Ball (rest) won't play Saturday against the Thunder.
No surprise here, as the Hornets won't be taking any chances on the second leg of this back-to-back set given Ball's injury history. He returned from a five-game absence Friday and double-doubled with 16 points (5-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 assists and three rebounds across 27 minutes. Tre Mann and Collin Sexton are likely to see increased run as a result Saturday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Posts double-double in return
Rotowire
Ball totaled 16 points (5-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 assists and three rebounds across 27 minutes during Friday's 147-134 overtime loss to the Bucks.
Ball returned to action after missing the past five games due to a right ankle impingement. Despite being on a minutes limit, Ball came through with his third double-double of the season. Though Ball will likely see his playing time pick up his subsequent appearances, he'll be a candidate to sit out the second leg of a back-to-back set Saturday versus Oklahoma City.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Will play Friday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) will play Friday against the Bucks, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Ball is back following a five-game stint on the sidelines, which should result in Collin Sexton or Sion James heading back to the second unit, and Tre Mann's minutes will dip. Ball could have his minutes monitored in his first game back, particularly with this being the first of a back-to-back set, so he's a risky target in daily fantasy leagues.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Probable for Friday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is probable for Friday's game in Milwaukee.
Ball is on track to return from a five-game absence Friday night, which will likely shift either Collin Sexton or Sion James back to the second unit. Additionally, Tre Mann may see a dip in minutes if Ball is cleared to play. Check back for official confirmation on the star point guard's status closer to Friday's tipoff at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Another absence coming
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Bucks.
Wednesday will mark a fifth consecutive absence for Ball, who practiced with the Hornets' G League affiliate Tuesday. The superstar guard will be trying to return Friday against the Bucks. Tre Mann and Sion James are the most likely candidates for an increased role Wednesday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Recalled to NBA
Rotowire
Charlotte recalled Ball from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Tuesday.
Ball spent the afternoon in the G League simply to get some reps as he works his way back from an ankle impingement. His status for Wednesday's game against the Bucks will be known once the Hornets submit their official injury report Tuesday evening.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: To practice with Swarm
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) will practice with the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Tuesday, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
This will be a quick assignment for Ball, and he's likely to be recalled right after the practice. This is an indication that he's progressing, but it remains to be seen if he'll be cleared in time for Wednesday's game against the Bucks on Wednesday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Remaining out vs. LAL
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers.
Ball will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a right ankle impingement, and his next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against the Bucks. With the star point guard sidelined, Collin Sexton, Sion James and Tre Mann are candidates for increased playing time.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Won't play Friday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Heat.
Ball will miss a third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. Tre Mann will likely take the bulk of the workload in the backcourt, especially with Collin Sexton (neck) also ruled out. Sion James will also see a bump in minutes.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Downgraded to doubtful
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is now doubtful for Friday's game against the Heat, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
The Hornets have downgraded Ball from questionable to doubtful, setting the superstar guard up for a third straight absence. With Collin Sexton (neck) also unlikely to play, the Charlotte backcourt should be helmed by Tre Mann, Kon Knueppel and Sion James on Friday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Iffy for Friday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat.
Ball is trying to get back into the lineup after missing two games with an ankle impingement. If the superstar guard is unable to make his way back onto the floor, fantasy managers can look for Tre Mann and Sion James to handle a larger role. Collin Sexton (neck), who's likely to play, would also orchestrate the offense if Ball is out.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Won't play vs. Pelicans
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is out for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
Tuesday will mark a second straight absence for Ball. The superstar guard's next chance to return from a right ankle impingement will come Friday against the Heat. Collin Sexton should run the Charlotte offense Tuesday, and rookie Sion James should hold onto streaming appeal until Ball is ready to play.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Questionable for Tuesday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game in New Orleans, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
If Ball isn't able to give it a go Tuesday night, it will be his second straight game on the sidelines. We should have a better idea of his status based on his activity level at Tuesday's shootaround, but if he's out, Collin Sexton would likely get another start.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Ruled out Sunday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) has been ruled out Sunday against the Jazz.
Ball will miss his first game of the season due to a right ankle issue. Given his history of injuries, the Hornets may be holding him out as a precaution on the second night of a back-to-back set. Ball has had a strong start to the season, averaging 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. He has a decent chance to return Tuesday against the Pelicans.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Doubtful for Sunday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jazz.
Ball played the first half of the back-to-back Saturday but is likely to sit out Sunday's game due to a right ankle impingement. The star guard has been stellar to open the season, averaging 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals through six contests. If he's held out, Collin Sexton should see an uptick in usage, while Sion James or Tre Mann could move into the starting lineup.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Available to play
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) is available to play in Saturday's game against the Timberwolves, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Ball was upgraded to probable earlier in the day, and now coach Charles Lee has given him the green light to play. Any time Ball pops up on the injury report it's a big concern given his past issues staying on the floor, so it will be interesting to see how he holds up Saturday.
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Hornets' LaMelo Ball: Likely to play Saturday
Rotowire
Ball (ankle) has been upgraded to probable for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves.
Ball is dealing with a right ankle impingement but is likely to suit up against Minnesota. The 24-year-old point guard has been productive through five regular-season games, averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 33.4 minutes per contest.
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