Hornets G LaMelo Ball (ankle) out vs. Pistons
Nov 19, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been ruled out for Sunday afternoon's game against the host Detroit Pistons due to left ankle soreness.
Ball boasts team-leading averages in points (28.0), assists (7.4) and steals (1.3) for the Hornets, who snapped a six-game losing streak with a 117-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Ball, 23, made a major impact against the Spurs after missing the previous five games due to the ankle injury. He contributed 24 points and 10 assists in the victory.
Like Ball, fellow guard Nick Smith Jr. was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's game due to tightness in his lower back.
Smith, 20, is contributing 7.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Guards Elfrid Payton and Isaiah Wong likely will see increased roles on Sunday for the Hornets, who visit the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
--Field Level Media
WWE Night of Champions: Biggest Takeaways From Saudi Arabia
Can MMA Fix Its Officiating Problem After UFC Baku?
USMNT's World Cup Path Gets Tougher After Group Stage Draw
Dancing Mr. Met Perfectly Captured the Mets' 2026 Collapse
- UFC Baku Picks: Three Bets to Target on Saturday's Main Card
- College Football Championship Odds: Four Value Bets for 2026
- Paul Skenes Headlines Friday June 26th's Best MLB Bets
- Three MLB Bets Worth Targeting on Thursday June 25 Slate
- MLB Picks Today: Backing the Yankees and Phillies-Nationals Over
- Tuesday MLB Best Bets: Two Pitching Props Worth Playing
- Prediction Markets Reveal Interesting NBA Draft Longshots
