In a weak Eastern Conference, the 3-4 Charlotte Hornets are only a game back from making the playoffs outright, missing the play-in tournament. With LaMelo Ball playing some of the best basketball of his career, Charlotte seemed poised for success, especially compared to past efforts.
Kon Knueppel is one of the best rookies in the draft class, Miles Bridges is playing at a high level, Collin Sexton hasn’t lost a step, and Brandon Miller looked fantastic to open the season before injuries shut him down.
With such a young core, the Hornets were expected to get better as the season wore on. Now, those hopes seem to be in jeopardy.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 25: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 125-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Get LaMelo Ball Injury Update
Ball missed the last game, a November 2nd win over the Utah Jazz. On November 4th, the Hornets will travel to take on the winless New Orleans Pelicans.
With Ball in the lineup, it was expected to be an easy win. However, his ankle injury may be more severe than initially thought, and he has officially been downgraded from questionable to out.
Ball is averaging 23.3 points this season and a career-high 9.8 assists per game. His outside shooting numbers aren’t the best, but he’s scoring inside the arc at the best, most efficient rate of his career.
For the first time, Ball seemed to be playing a winning brand of basketball. According to FanDuel, without Ball, the Hornets are 4.5-point underdogs as they travel to New Orleans.
Charlotte will be without Miller, Josh Green, and Grant Williams in addition to Ball. The Pelicans remain without Dejounte Murray. Yves Missi and Zion Williamson are both questionable, so expect the odds to shift even more.
LaMelo Ball’s Biggest Criticism Remains True
When Ball is on the court, he’s one of the most entertaining players in the entire NBA. He has some of the best handles, can knock down circus shots, and has some of the best passing vision in the NBA.
However, he has appeared in only 56.8% of possible games in his career. In large part thanks to his injuries, the Hornets have not made the playoffs with him leading the way.
While Ball’s scoring inefficiencies and lack of defensive effort are also valid concerns, his durability and reliability are constantly questioned. It’s rare that he rises to the occasion.
On paper, the Hornets have one of the best young cores in the NBA. They’re still a few years away from competing, but nearly all of the pieces are in place. Ball, however, makes it nearly impossible to build a winning team around him. He’s the Hornets’ offensive engine and is almost always broken down.
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