CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Hornets all-star point guard LaMelo Ball has been designated as doubtful for the team's next game as he deals with an ankle injury -- but the status is better than some worried.
Ball suffered a right ankle sprain during the second quarter of Charlotte's loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. An x-ray of his ankle revealed no fracture, according to Sports Illustrated.
Ball had surgery in March on his right ankle to address a fracture after he was injured during a game in February. Ball was ruled out for the rest of the 2022-23 season after his surgery.
Before suffering a right ankle fracture, Ball suffered a sprained left ankle that caused him to miss the first 13 games of the 2022-23 season.
The Hornets only had Ball for 36 games during the injury-plagued season. During last season, Ball averaged 23.3 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game.
During the 2023-24 season, Ball has been one of the bright spots on an uninspiring Hornets team. Ball leads the squad with 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Terry Rozier is second on the team in points and assists but is a whole two points behind in both categories.
Charlotte has struggled to a 5-10 record and has fallen way out of contention in most of its losses. Still, Ball has hit 30 points in seven of this season's games and has scored five double-doubles this season, which is actually second on the team to Mark Williams (6).
The Hornets face the New York Knicks (9-7) on Tuesday in the final group stage game for both teams in the NBA In-Season Tournament. Charlotte is 1-2 in the tournament in fourth place in East Group B. Charlotte will need to win on Tuesday and have a lot of wild scenarios in other games work out in their favor in order to make it out of the group stage.
If Ball does not suit up to play on Tuesday, the Hornets could next see him on the court on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets.