The Charlotte Hornets may be getting a much-needed boost tonight against the Atlanta Hawks - and it comes in the form of their franchise point guard. LaMelo Ball, who’s been sidelined for about two weeks, is inching closer to a return. He’s officially listed as questionable on the team’s latest injury report, but there’s optimism around his availability.
Head coach Charles Lee told reporters Wednesday that Ball has looked sharp in recent workouts and appeared the most ready to return among the team’s injured players. Whether he suits up tonight will likely come down to how he responds during shootaround.
Ball’s potential return couldn’t come at a better time. The 24-year-old has been putting up 19.4 points, 6 rebounds, and a career-high 8.5 assists per game this season.
He’s also shooting a personal best 88% from the free throw line - a sign of his continued growth as a floor general and shot-maker. Even with some inconsistency in his shooting from the field (he’s hitting just 39%), Ball’s presence on the court gives Charlotte a different dimension - one that’s hard to replicate.
It’s not just what Ball does with the ball in his hands - though that’s plenty. His vision, pace, and ability to manipulate defenses elevate the Hornets’ offense from stagnant to fluid.
He’s the engine. And defensively, his size and length at the guard spot can disrupt opposing backcourts, especially against smaller point guards.
That could be particularly useful against a Hawks team that may also be welcoming back their own star guard.
Trae Young, Atlanta’s All-Star floor leader, is also listed as questionable. He’s been out since October 29 with an MCL injury but has reportedly been a full participant in practice and even scrimmaged with the Hawks’ G League affiliate.
Before the injury, Young was averaging 17.8 points, 2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in five games. If both guards return, fans could be in for a high-octane battle between two of the East’s most dynamic playmakers.
But Ball’s return carries weight beyond tonight’s matchup.
With the trade deadline looming on February 5, Ball’s name has been floated in various rumors. Whether Charlotte intends to keep building around him or explore other options, getting him back on the floor is key. Teams want to see what he looks like post-injury - and more importantly, whether he can stay healthy.
That’s been the lingering concern. Ball has only played more than 50 games in a season twice since entering the league.
This year, he’s logged just 16 games and is playing fewer minutes per game than in any previous season. Between ankle issues, wrist problems, and rest days, it’s been difficult for the Hornets to build any rhythm with Ball as their centerpiece.
And he’s not the only one dealing with injuries.
Charlotte’s backcourt has been a revolving door this season. Brandon Miller, Collin Sexton, and Tre Mann have all missed significant time. Head coach Charles Lee said all three are trending in the right direction, but only Miller is expected to be available tonight.
Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has appeared in just 10 games this season. The good news?
He’s played in each of the last four. If Ball is cleared, the Hornets could finally get a glimpse of what their young core looks like when it’s actually on the floor together.
Last season, Ball and Miller played just 74 combined games. The franchise is still waiting to see what these two can become when healthy and in sync.
Meanwhile, Sexton remains out with a quadriceps injury - his fifth straight missed game. Mann will also sit again, marking his ninth absence of the season and sixth straight game on the sidelines.
The Hornets enter the night sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, three games back of the Milwaukee Bucks for a play-in spot. It’s not an insurmountable gap, but time - and health - are becoming critical factors.
If Ball is back and can stay on the court, Charlotte’s path to relevance becomes a little clearer. If not, the questions around his future - and the team’s direction - will only grow louder.