LaMelo Ball Out Third Straight Game with Ankle Issue

Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball will miss his third consecutive game due to a right ankle impingement, as the team prepares to face the Miami Heat on Friday night. The 24-year-old point guard, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise since being drafted third overall in 2020, was initially listed as questionable for earlier matchups but has been ruled out while continuing a day-by-day recovery plan.

Ball's absence comes at a challenging time for the Hornets, who sit at 3-6 in the early 2025-26 season and rank 12th in the Eastern Conference. He has been the team's leading performer when healthy, averaging 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game over six appearances. His shooting splits stand at 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range, where he attempts a league-high 10.0 shots per contest. In recent games, Ball has shown defensive growth, including deflections and steals, alongside his signature playmaking that fuels fast breaks and opens opportunities for teammates.

Head coach Charles Lee has expressed optimism about Ball's development and impact. In a recent interview, Lee highlighted Ball's two-way engagement, noting...